Council balances rates increase with achieving long-term community outcomes

Greater Wellington councillors approved the 2026/27 Annual Plan today, agreeing to continue essential regional services while limiting the average regional rates increase to 9.7%.

The per annum average regional rates increase for residential rates (including GST) is $83.83 ($1.61 per week), for business rates (excluding GST) is $695.70 ($13.38 per week), and rural rates (excluding GST) is $103.25 ($1.99 per week). 

Greater Wellington Chair Daran Ponter says councillors were mindful of upcoming reforms, but the communities’ needs guided decision making. 

“Reform, in one shape or another, is here to stay, and that was an important consideration,” says Cr Ponter.  

"Regardless of change, essential services like public transport and environmental restoration will continue to be integral to the wellbeing of our communities.” 

Cr Ponter said no stone had been left unturned to keep the rates increase to a minimum. 

“Councillors have had to make difficult decisions, balancing affordability and uncertainty with our responsibility to the region. We know any rates increase is hard, so we have gone line by line through our activities to keep rates as affordable as possible.”  

Greater Wellington Chief Executive Nigel Corry said the Annual Plan reflects careful choices about where investment is most needed, particularly in work that strengthens the region’s resilience. 

“The Wellington region is no stranger to severe weather, and its impacts were seen and felt during recent flooding,” says Corry.  

That is why it’s important that we continue practical work that helps protect people, places, and infrastructure. This includes our flood resilience work along Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River as part of Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi (formally called Riverlink),” says Corry. 

This Annual Plan also reflects changes to assets and debt through the Local Water Done Well reform. From 1 July 2026, Tiaki Wai will take ownership of Greater Wellington’s bulk water supply, which is no longer included in Greater Wellington’s 2026/27 Annual Plan and the 2024-34 Long Term Plan.