Auckland councillors have clashed over how next year's rates rise should be divided across the city.
The merging of eight rating systems into one, along with a new way to pay for wastewater means some people will pay a bigger increase than others.
Debate began in earnest on Thursday over how the Auckland Council will collect its rates next year, and its spending plans for the next few decades.
The merging of eight former council systems means the proposed increase in the council budget of 3.6%, will lead to decreases for some, and rises of up to 15% for others.
A majority of councillors backed Mayor Len Brown's plan for a $350 flat charge on each property as part of the rates mix.
A minority wanted that to be higher to ease the burden on higher value properties.
The debate continues next week before going out to public consultation.
