Auckland residents face big rates hike

Under the proposed plan, the average Aucklander will pay $1200 in rates each year - an average increase of about $120.

Homeowners of properties worth $556,600 or more are hit hardest with a 16.1 per cent jump, paying on average an extra $250 for a total bill of $1810.

Properties $215,100 or lower will pay $43.50 more, while middle valued houses will pay 10.2 per cent more or $105.

Mt Eden Business Association president Gordon Johns says the rises are alarming.

"I really believe it's proof of what I've been saying for 12 months. The bureaucrats have got out of control in the city," says Mr Johns, a former Mt Eden borough mayor.

"If the city's lost its head with rates increases it's going to be a disaster."

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