Central Otago rural rates increase 'return to status quo' 31 Mar, 2021 10:30 PM 2 minutes to read Wedderburn farmer Stu Duncan. Photo / Supplied Otago Daily Times By: Jared Morgan Large proposed rates hikes for some Central Otago farmers actually represent a return to normal, a councillor and farmer says. Average figures presented by the Central Otago District Council in its proposed 2021-31 long-term plan show a potential 37.3 per cent increase for a farm in Maniototo, an average of $918.43 in the next year. In Manuherikia that figure is 38.8 per cent or $2158. In the large farm category, Maniototo runholders could face a 52.5 per cent or $9424 hike, while in Manuherikia that rates take may increase by an average of $5892 or 42.4 per cent.