More than 350 candidates in New Zealand have signed up to a Tax Payers’ Union pledge to “oppose any measures that will see the total burden of rates, levies and additional council charges exceed the level of inflation and population growth”. This number accounts for 16% of candidates nationwide and more are expected to join.

However with costs increasing dramatically and infrastructure deficits affecting communities, Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen is saying that this pledge is “frustrating” and “lacking in economic literacy”. Lowering council costs is what the pledge hinges on, but it doesn’t take into account the additional costs which will now be added from the Government’s Local Water Done Well.

Read the full article at: https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360828115/rates-expectations-beware-election-promises-about-low-rises-economists-warn?

A “thank you” to Jasper for requesting that this article be put up on The Upper Hutt Connection.

22/09/25