Auckland SME revolt overturns rates rise in Onehunga

Andrew Body led SMEs to turn the tide on Auckland’s targeted business rate hike in Onehunga. (Image: Garth Bray/BusinessDesk)

Garth Bray

Thu, 29 May 2025

A $1 million annual targeted rate on Onehunga businesses will be slashed back to $410,000 after a protest vote by more than 140 of the businesses forced Auckland Council to amend it.“It’s a victory for democracy and for the power of the voice of these people,” said Andrew Body.The investment banker formed the Onehunga Business Association (OBA) Watch Group after the local business improvement district (BID) had successfully campaigned to expand its catchment for a targeted rate, sweeping up two commercial properties his wife o...

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