In February the Tararua District Council's finance team will present a report to councillors on how to recover about $1 million in outstanding rates from owners of abandoned land, council's finance manager told councillors this week.
"There are owners who have walked away, or are unknown, [who are in rates arrears] and we do have powers under the act for the sale of these properties," Cameron McKay, council's finance manager, said.
If councillors approve the sale of abandoned land to recover debts, council will advertise in March next year for the last known owners to come forward and clear the rates arrears. If payment isn't made after a month, council can seek judgment through the district court to sell the properties.
The council is using Debt Management Central and Mr McKay said the company had a good reputation in pushing for the recovery of outstanding rates and arrears.
Southern councillor Andy Thompson asked if there was a point when the debt was written off.