By Katie Todd of RNZ

Stunned Waitaki District ratepayers facing rates increases of up to 45 percent are calling for a government probe of council's finances, with some worried people will lose their homes.

The council has been seeking feedback on three possible rates rises of 19 percent, 27 percent or 45 percent as it tries to plug a projected $14 million operating deficit for the next financial year.

Hundreds of angry ratepayers attend meeting

Oamaru ratepayer Kurt Scriven said none of the three options felt feasible for residents, whose rates had already gone up about 30 percent over the past three years.

"People just can't afford it, not with the situation we're in with fuel costs, power costs," he said.

"I think a lot of people, a lot of older people, retirees who have a fixed income who are probably stretched now are going to lose their houses.…