Looming rates rises discussed in public meeting

A small crowd of about 50 people have turned out at a public meeting in Auckland tonight to discuss looming rates increases. Nine speakers, including a line-up of local and national politicians, are among those speaking at the Auckland Rates Increases public meeting at the Mt Eden War Memorial Hall in Dominion Rd. The meeting follows a decision by Auckland Council to raise rates by 6.9 per cent from next month, although new valuations and a plan to lower business rates means the average household rates increase is 9.9 per cent.