Large proposed rates hikes for some Central Otago farmers actually represent a return to normal, a councillor and farmer says.
Average figures presented by the Central Otago District Council in its proposed 2021-31 long-term plan show a potential 37.3 per cent increase for a farm in Maniototo, an average of $918.43 in the next year.
In Manuherikia that figure is 38.8 per cent or $2158.
In the large farm category, Maniototo runholders could face a 52.5 per cent or $9424 hike, while in Manuherikia that rates take may increase by an average of $5892 or 42.4 per cent.
Central Otago District councillor and Maniototo farmer Stu Duncan said while the numbers expressed in percentage terms looked high, in dollar figures they were not and represented a return to the status quo.