4 Jun 2012

Residents threaten rates strike

8:15 am on 4 June 2012

Residents of a small Rangitikei town say they may go ahead with a rates strike if a proposed increase of up to 40% proceeds.

About 70 locals met in Koitiata, south of Whanganui, on Sunday to discuss the rise which is flagged in the Rangitikei District Council's 10-year plan.

It proposes charging a common rate across the region for water and sewerage services.

Koitiata Residents Committee chairman Keith Gray says residents don't use those services because most have their own septic tanks and water supplies.

But Rangitikei mayor Chalky Leary says ratepayers are being charged only for compulsory upgrades to public services that cannot be assigned to an individual or group.