39715 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government

39715 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government: What was the average rates increase set by each council for the 2026/27 financial year, broken down by council, and how does each compare with the level of the proposed cap on rates increases?

Hon Simon Watts: Data shows that based on their reported rates increases, most councils are currently operating outside of the proposed rates cap target range of 2-4%. Sixty-five councils are above 4%, four are below 2% and the remaining nine are within the range. A summary is attached.