Some Dunedin residents are taking action against their proposed rates hike

The newly formed Reduce Rates Group says the 17.5 percent rates increase, proposed by the Dunedin City Council is unacceptable.

The group met for their second public meeting on Friday - where more than 200 people expressed concerns around the council's 'wasteful spending'.

Spokesperson Sandy Lotus says the group's main concerns are around the 'unnecessary' expenditure for new bins and cycle ways.

She says they want more money spent on essential infrastructure instead.