How a silver and gold coin worth $10 cost one Canterbury family their home
A Canterbury family lost their home after the High Court ordered its sale to cover an unpaid rates debt to the Waimakariri District Council. The owner attempted to pay the debt with a $10 coin, which the council rejected, leading to the property being sold for significantly less than its valuation.
Why it matters
This case highlights the extreme legal consequences of municipal debt enforcement and raises questions about the definition of legal tender in property tax disputes.
Share twitter Share linkedin Share link Where are Kiwis buying homes? Opes Partners economist Ed McKnight lists the regions that are benefitting most from the Auckland exodus. Video / OneRoof - A Canterbury family lost their home after attempting to pay rates with a $10 coin.
- The High Court ordered the sale of Nigel Rose’s property, which sold for $535,000.
- Waimakariri District Council says the family’s rates debt was more than the sale price.
A Canterbury family lost their home after they tried to pay their rates bills with a single minted coin worth $10.
The High Court ordered the sale of Nigel Rose’s lifestyle property on Main Race Road, in Eyrewell, following an application by Waimakariri District Council.
The house fetched $535,000 at auction in May, well below its RV of $720,000.
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