55802 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government

55802 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government: What enforcement powers will the Department of Internal Affairs have between 2027 and 2029 to intervene where a council proposes a rates increase above the intended cap before the full regulatory model takes effect?

Hon Simon Watts: During the transition period, councils will be required to consider the rates target and report on specific metrics relevant to rates increases, which will be publicly available. The Department of Internal Affairs will monitor rates rises and financial metrics, and issue guidance to councils. Further detail on the regulatory framework will be available next year.