39653 (2026). Mike Davidson to the Minister of Local Government

39653 (2026). Mike Davidson to the Minister of Local Government: Does the Minister agree with Mayors Phil Mauger and Mel Tavendale and LGNZ that many of the drivers of rates’ increases, such as government mandates, inflation, insurance and interest rates, are out of their Council’s control and, if so, has he had any advice on whether those costs could or should be excluded from the rates cap?

Hon Simon Watts: I agree that many factors drive council rates, and that councils can control some more than others. Consideration of what should and should not be included in the rates cap during the policy development process.