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Protesters Submit 5,000-Signature Petition Demanding 7% Rate Rise

6/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Protesters with empty buckets delivered a petition of over 5,000 signatures to Mayor Mel Tavendale demanding a lower rates rise.
The petition requests replacing the agreed 22% increase with a 7% rise, rejecting the council’s planned 17% increase.
Mayor Mel Tavendale said the council acknowledges the community’s concern.
Organizer Kirsty Cashmore said the rally was organized in under two weeks by people with no prior experience.

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Story summary

Protesters with empty buckets delivered a petition of over 5,000 signatures to Mayor Mel Tavendale demanding a lower rates rise.
The petition requests replacing the agreed 22% increase with a 7% rise, rejecting the council’s planned 17% increase.
Mayor Mel Tavendale said the council acknowledges the community’s concern.
Organizer Kirsty Cashmore said the rally was organized in under two weeks by people with no prior experience.