55811 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government

55811 (2025). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government: How will the Government ensure that the rates-cap regime does not prevent councils from addressing significant historic underinvestment in infrastructure, such as water networks, roads, and community facilities?

Hon Simon Watts: The Rate cap model proposed includes a lower band, ensuring increases cannot fall below a certain point. Councils will be monitored to ensure they are not underinvesting. The rates cap does not apply to water charges or water-related targeted rates.