Government promises to cap council rates rises at 4%

Home / New Zealand / PoliticsThomas CoughlanPolitical Editor·NZ Herald·24 Aug, 2026 11:15 PM2 mins to read‌ Local Government Minister Simon Watts. Photo / Bijou Johnson Local Government Minister Simon Watts. Photo / Bijou JohnsonThe Government has decided it will cap annual council rate increases at 4%.The cap will take effect in 2029, but councils will need to “consider” the cap from next year.

Local Government Minister Simon Watts announced the cap this morning as he unveiled legislation that will bring

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Government promises to cap council rates rises at 4%

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