12121 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government

Written Question

Published date: 15 Apr 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	12121 (2026)
Question asked:	30 Mar 2026
Member asking:	Tangi Utikere
Portfolio:	Minister of Local Government
Minister replying:	Hon Simon Watts
Answer received:	12 Apr 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_12121_2026
Document guid:	6d9e7b58-22cb-4257-ad01-50e96347d253

12121 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government: What analysis, if any, was undertaken to assess the suitability of the New South Wales exclusions-based model for rates capping in a New Zealand context before it was abandoned?

Hon Simon Watts: I am advised by the Department of Internal Affairs, analysis was undertaken to understand the New South Wales model, including the advantages of it, as well as its limitations. The model has been subject to a parliamentary inquiry and is currently undergoing changes as a result of the recommendations. Cabinet determined that an exclusions-based rates cap model would likely lead to unintended consequences and suboptimal outcomes if implemented in New Zealand.