Criticism of
the property based rating system has become more intense in recent times, as
rate demands have outstripped the cost of living, wage increases, and
inflation. But criticism of the system
dates back to the 1930s.
The late Sir
Ross Jansen, probably New Zealand’s most experienced and knowledgeable
authority on local government, for a long time advocated for the abolition of
rates, which he described as “antiquated – long past their use-by date – unfair
and unpopular, hurting the elderly and those families on low incomes.”
