Dogs, cats and horses caught in rates net

By WAYNE THOMPSON

Auckland's abandoned animals are among those to feel the effects of higher bills for regional rates.

Auckland's SPCA village - a cluster of offices, kennels and stables and an animal hospital in a developing part of Mangere - has received a bill for $2212.40 from the Auckland Regional Council. Its bill last year was $190.58.

Director Bob Kerridge was yesterday reeling at the bill. "It's a massive jump, isn't it?"

He said the ARC had for the first time based the village's rates bill on the capital value - the combined value of its land and buildings. The previous levy was based on land value.

Mr Kerridge said Phil Warren, who was ARC chairman until his death in February last year, was an SPCA president.

"If old Phil, bless his heart, was still in the chair I don't think we would have got a bill like this."

Since the village was founded on a 4ha site in Westney Rd in 1978, its capital value has risen to $2.62 million.

The rates bill includes a general rate of $904 and $35 towards pest control.

Mr Kerridge said few possums would hang round the village with all its dogs, and if they did the SPCA workers would save them from poisoning.

The village, which handles 13,000 abandoned pets a year, has also been charged a public transport network rate of $486 and a public transport services rate of $686.

Mr Kerridge said the village's workers did not use the bus and nor did their furry clients because of a ban on all animals except guide dogs using public transport.

An ARC spokesman was unable to say whether the SPCA qualifies for remission of rates, but said there were set criteria and a formal process to be followed.

The council has an interim policy of providing rates relief to eligible "community, sporting and other organisations".

Faced with calls for an urgent meeting of the ARC to review the rates, chairwoman Gwen Bull polled her councillors. The results of that are not yet known.

HIGH RISERS: Gaybrielle Binning, Herne Bay

This year: $511.11, Next year: $1658.94

Ruby and Jack Wilson, Helensville

This year: $31.68, Next year: $135.09

David Shannon, Howick

This year:$131, Next year: $835

WEEKEND RATEPAYER MEETINGS: Today - 1pm at St Columba Church, Surrey Cres, Grey Lynn. Tomorrow - 11am Castor Bay and Campbells Bay at Milford Senior Citizens Hall.

FLASHBACK: In 1863 Aucklanders mounted a revolt against rates imposed by the Board of Works for road maintenance and sewerage. The revolt was so successful that only one person paid up, a Mr Norris, whose bill was 27 shillings and sixpence. With no money to do its job, the board was disbanded and replaced by commissioners. But not before it refunded Mr Norris. his money back.

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