12 Jul 2016

Activist ordered to pay $34,000 rates bill

4:50 pm on 12 July 2016

Auckland activist Penny Bright has lost the latest round in a legal battle over rates she's refused to pay for nine years.

Penny Bright

Penny Bright Photo: RNZ / Todd Niall

The High Court has dismissed her appeal against a February ruling that Ms Bright must pay rates and penalties of just over $34,000.

Justice Venning said Ms Bright's refusal to pay simply increased administration costs for Auckland, and he awarded court costs to the council.

The council has previously been given court approval to forcibly sell Ms Bright's house if necessary.

In a statement, the council said it remained open to Ms Bright applying for a rates postponement.

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