55790 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government

55790 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government: What practical effect does the lower bound of the proposed 2–4 percent target range for annual rates increases have, when the upper figure of 4 percent functions as the maximum permitted increase under the proposed rates-cap regime?

Hon Simon Watts: The effect of the lower bound is to ensure councils maintain existing services and assets. Councils will not be able to offer less than two percent rates increases unless they seek, and are granted, an exemption. Councils will be monitored to ensure they are not underinvesting in essential maintenance or asset management.