Rates decision deferred

A proposal to incorporate a targeted rate paid by Ruawai residents for Ruawai TokaToka War Memorial Hall into general rates has been deferred for 12 months by the Kaipara District Council.

The proposal in this year's annual plan alarmed Ruawai residents, who were worried the money raised through the rate would no longer be available for its intended purpose of hall maintenance.

During submission hearings on the council's annual plan, a Ruawai TokaToka War Memorial Hall Committee spokesman said there were concerns that if paid into general rates, the money would "disappear" over time as the reason why the original targeted rate had been set up could be forgotten.

Johannes Wessel said the committee had, with community and council approval, asked for the targeted hall rate to be established.

This was to ensure money would be available for the future maintenance and repairs on the hall following its return to community ownership by the council several years ago.

Other community-owned halls had to seek grants, either from the council and/or outside charities, or raise funds for this purpose.

The Ruawai community wanted to ensure a fund was available without the need for endless fundraising and, as a community, had agreed on the targeted rate of about $35 a property.

Written assurances from the council at the time said the rate would "only stop at a request, or following a vote by the residents of the area", and the community wanted the status quo to remain.

"We do not want this agreement rescinded or the amount changed as, without the income, it would be impossible to keep the hall operational," Mr Wessel said.