Proposed rates shock Hauraki Gulf islanders

Kawau Island resident John Pryor boasts his home as a place where people "can get away from it all".

No roads, no water supply, no collection and the isolation of having to travel by boat to the mainland suits him fine.

In fact, the consolation for lacking civic services has been a council rates bill of $300 a year.

But this week, Mr Pryor received a shock when Rodney District Council notified proposed changes to its 2009-10 rates for the Hauraki Gulf island's 450 property owners, of which only 100 are permanent residents.

Total charges mooted for Mr Pryor's home were $900, which he works out as a 190 per cent increase.

Making matters worse, he saw new charges - never before seen on a Kawau rates bill - made up most of the rates hike.

"I think it's wrong and I will institute a personal rates revolt and just pay the same level of increase as last year's," said Mr Pryor.

Fellow resident Paul Harper received a similar increase.

"It's unbelievable ... It came with no warning.

"We don't get any services and there is no suggestion of getting those; nor have we asked for them. So what are we paying for?"

The proposed district average rates rise is 5.2 per cent.

Council revenue manager David Low said major changes in the way it wants to assess rates bumped up the bills for "island and sea access" properties.

Revaluations by QV for council rating purposes showed island properties increased on average by 84 per cent in capital value.

The council wants to switch in July from basing the district's rates on land value to capital value, which takes into account a property's buildings.

Island house owner Michael Marris said this meant his rates would rise by 260 per cent instead of 226 per cent.

If based on land value, his rates would rise from $401 to $905, but under capital value would rise to $1053.

"This is not a wealthy community ... It's not Waiheke Island.

"People bought their places a long time ago and have seen capital values rise over time beyond their control."

Residents will meet at the weekend to decide what protest to make.

Mayor Penny Webster advised people to send in a submission on the draft plan.

"It's all open to negotiation, and we are waiting for feedback."

Mrs Webster said $300 for rates sounded not too bad.

The council maintained public wharves on the island and at Sandspit, which is the nearest mainland terminal.

It also provided mainland roads which were used by island residents.

Mr Low said the transport rate to be introduced for the island was 40 per cent of what a Warkworth house would pay. The island's general rate would be 20 per cent of a home in Warkworth.

Causing the most hurt was the introduction of a uniform general charge of $418, the same for all mainland properties.

Other new add-ons were a district democracy and development levy and the Auckland Regional Amenities levy.

REWRITING THE BILL
* Levies introduced: Transport $231, uniform general charge $418, democracy $103, regional amenities $65
* General rate: $231
* Kawau house $830,000 CV (no services) total rates: $908.30 +190 per cent
* Warkworth house $535,000 CV (full services) total rates: $2505 + 5.5 per cent