UPDATED 7.18pm: The judge in the ongoing battle between rates activist Penny Bright and Auckland Council has reserved his decision after the court case continued in the Auckland District Court today.

A judgement was expected on the Council's application against Ms Bright's unpaid rates which total nearly $35,000 since mid 2007.

She refuses to pay until she knows exactly how every dollar is spent, and says the Council is obligated to provide the "devilish detail" under the rates act.

In defence of her refusal to pay, Ms Bright told Judge Harrison she is a whistleblower.

But Auckland Council lawyer James Hassall says whether or not the Council is complying with rafts of legislation does not change Ms Bright's obligation to pay her rates.

Ms Bright said she would be asking the Judge to halt proceedings as she's currently in talks with Council management about a rates postponement application.

Mr Hassall says there is no legal grounds for her to refuse to pay rates on the condition of increased transparency.

The judge told the courtroom he would take some time to think about the case, acknowledging the importance to both Ms Bright and the Council.

Ms Bright was defiant outside the courtroom, saying she will keep fighting no matter the judge's ruling.

She says until the council behaves transparently regarding it's finances, she will not budge.

Waiting outside for the court appearance earlier, Ms Bright didn't miss the chance to appeal to the public by campaigning for her mayoralty bid in 2016, placard in hand.