Reefton rates could increase more than 200% under new formula

Some property owners in the small West Coast town of Reefton are in for whopping rates increases of more than 200 per cent if the Buller District Council adopts a proposed new rating formula. LDR is reporting that the proposal would cut the current 42 different categories of ratepayers down to nine differentials, and ensure comparable properties paid similar amounts in rates. But worried ratepayers have told council representatives that the new formula will see them go broke. Álun Bollinger is one of them. But before we cross to Alun, he wants us to make it clear that he's speaking as a resident and not in his capacity as a member of the Inangahua Community Board board.