Coasties and Auckland residents are facing increasing financial strain.

A recent report by The New Zealand Herald reveals that 648 Aucklanders postponed rate payments in the last financial year.

This marks a 65% increase from five years earlier.

Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance Spokesman, Sam Warren, notes that this trend is unique to Auckland.

"The number of Aucklanders having to delay rates payments is far higher than other parts of the country," he says.

Warren adds that other large councils reported less than ten postponements in the same period.

The financial strain is particularly felt by retirees on fixed incomes.

Warren explains, "We get dozens of emails each month from ratepayers up and down the country, many of whom are hit hard by ongoing rate increases."

Last year's 14% average rate increase across the board has contributed to the high cost of living.

Although Auckland's rate increase was below average, it still exceeded inflation.

In response, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown announced potential changes to councils in December.

These changes may include introducing a rates capping mechanism to help keep rates manageable.

The surge in postponed rate payments highlights the need for affordable and sustainable rate management solutions.

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