Full Breakdown
Waitaki District Council Faces Public Outcry Over Proposed 17% Rates Increase
6/25/2026, 4:50:07 AM
Proposed 17% Rates Rise Sparks Mass Protest
On Thursday, hundreds of residents gathered outside the Waitaki District Council building in Oamaru to oppose the council’s plan to raise property rates by 17 %. Protesters marched from Takaro Park to the council steps, presented a petition with more than 5,000 signatures, and voiced demands for a far lower increase.
Background: Council’s Rate Plan and Prior Agreement
The council’s current proposal follows an earlier decision that had set a 22 % increase for the upcoming fiscal year. While officials have reduced the figure to 17 %, the petition submitted by protest organiser Kirsty Cashmore calls for the rise to be replaced entirely by a 7 % increase, arguing that the community cannot absorb the higher levy.
Key Figures and Groups
- Mayor Mel Tavendale – head of the Waitaki District Council, present at the protest.
- Kirsty Cashmore – local resident who coordinated the petition and rally.
- Alex Parmley – council chief executive who stood beside the mayor.
- Keith Marshall – former chief executive of four councils, who addressed the crowd before the march.
Data & Statistics
- Proposed rate increase: 17 % (down from a previously agreed 22 %).
- Petition demand: 7 % increase.
- Signatures collected: over 5,000.
- Protest turnout: hundreds of participants, described as an “enormous” gathering.
Official Statements & Responses
Mayor Tavendale acknowledged the community’s concerns, noting that rate hikes “affect households, businesses, and communities” and that “many people are feeling real pressure.” He clarified that accepting the petition does not constitute a commitment to any specific outcome. Council representatives, including chief executive Parmley, emphasized the need to balance fiscal responsibilities with resident input. Protest organiser Cashmore reiterated that the council will not accept a 17 % rise and warned that the opposition “is not going away.”
Criticism & Opposition
Protesters argued that a 17 % increase would strain household budgets, reduce disposable income, and hinder local businesses. Their signage highlighted themes such as “empty buckets, empty pockets, stop the rise,” and “cut the waste, not our wallets.” The petition’s 7 % target reflects a belief that the council can achieve necessary services through efficiency rather than large rate hikes.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Rates increases affect households, businesses, and communities, and I understand that many people are feeling real pressure.” — Mel Tavendale, Mayor, Waitaki District Council
- “We are not going to accept 17%.” — Kirsty Cashmore, Protest Organiser
- “This is an enormous turnout.” — Keith Marshall, Former Chief Executive (four councils)
- “It’s an absolute triumph of people power. You are absolutely amazing for coming out.” — Kirsty Cashmore, Protest Organiser
- “Your voices matter, and it is important that council receives and recognises this input.” — Mel Tavendale, Mayor
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the council’s prior commitment: the petition references a previously agreed 22 % increase, while the current proposal is 17 %. No official explanation for the reduction or the methodology behind the proposed rates is provided, leaving a gap in public understanding of the council’s fiscal calculations.
What’s Next
The council has scheduled a public hearing to consider the petition and will report its final decision on the rates increase in the coming weeks. Further community meetings are expected if the council seeks additional input before finalising the levy.
