2025/26 Rates Increase

On Thursday 29th May Council adopted the Annual Plan and the proposed 6.9% rates increase — which will see an average rates rise 25% higher than just over two years ago.

That’s far beyond inflation.
That’s one of the biggest drivers of rising costs for everyone.
And yes, it’s a choice — not something forced on Council.

Council continues to defend these increases as unavoidable, citing external “cost pressures” and regulatory obligations. But here’s the truth:

When faced with the prospect of even higher increases, Council found savings.
That means cost control is possible — when there’s political will.
So, these increases are not just the result of external forces — they are a matter of choice.

Concerned Ratepayers attended the Council meeting and presented during public speaking time – you can read the address from one of our Committee Members, Michael, below and you can watch/listen to the Council recording which includes feedback/questions from the Mayor and Councillors. We highly recommend watching these recording to get a good understanding of how Councillors vote and present themselves.

Links to KCDC recordings:
Part 1 : (CRK representative Michael’s address starts at the 33:24 mark)
Part 2:
Part 3:

2024/25 Rates Increase

On the 1st December 2024 we held our second public meeting at which a comprehensive presentation was given by one of our Committee Members entitled “I AM NOT A BOTTOM-LESS BANK”.

This year the KCDC raised its rate, on average by 17%. Next year rates will go up at least another 7% followed by further 7% increases each year after that.

The bottom line is, that unless Council reigns in its spending, we will be facing rate increases of around 115% over the next 10 years.

If you were paying $4,250 in 23/24, you will be paying $9,141 in 10 years time. This means your rates will increase from around $82 per week or a staggering $176 per week.

For homeowners in areas like Paraparaumu and Waikanae, this means rates will nearly double by 2033/34.

Some examples of what this means:

• A Paraparaumu property valued at $640,000 will see rates rise from $3,885 in 2023/24 to $8,356 by 2033/34. This is an increase from around $75 per week to a staggering $160 per week.
• A Waikanae property valued at $780,000 will see rates increase from $4,250 to $9,141 over the same period. This is an increase from around $82 per week to a staggering $176 per week.

Renters aren’t spared either. The increase in rates are likely to be passed on by landlords.

This is unaffordable.

We are gathering information about what Council spends our rates on, what could be classed as supporting core services and what is ‘wasteful’ spending.

We plan to hold a public meeting in May to share what we’ve learned and to plan action with you.

You can view the presentation ” I AM NOT A BOTTOM-LESS BANK” here.