Andrew Dickens Afternoons

Auckland churches are getting a one-year breather before Auckland Council brings in higher rates on facilities not used for religious purposes.Three months ago the council contacted hundreds of churches telling them to ignore big rates increases, which came into effect this financial year without political input.Many churches were shocked to receive big rates rises, including the Birkenhead Baptist Church which received a bill of $1080 after previously only paying a waste management charge of about $150. Other churches received increases of up to $20,000.After council officers reviewed the new policy, councillors have adopted a revised policy to reduce the overall rates bill for churches.Councillors have also accepted a recommendation from officers not to introduce the new rates until the next financial year, starting in July 2019.Several church leaders told today's finance committee that rate exemptions should be applied to religious and connected activities, given the role of churches today was broader than