Upper Hutt is getting ready for the 2025 local elections—and it’s a big deal! This Pre-Election Report (link is below) gives you a look at what the Council is doing now, the challenges it’s facing, and what’s coming next. Whether you’re thinking about voting or even running for Council, this is the perfect place to start.

Our city is growing fast—over 63,000 people are expected to live here by 2053 (page 4). That means more houses, more jobs, and more pressure on things like roads, parks, and water systems. The Council is focusing on three main goals: keeping the budget balanced, maintaining important services, and going back to basics (page 9).

There are some big challenges ahead. Changes to how water services are handled mean the Council could lose control of 40% of its current spending (page 1). At the same time, costs are going up, and there’s pressure to keep rates affordable (page 14). Despite this, the Council is working hard to invest in key projects like sports hubs, transport upgrades, and safer stormwater systems (page 22).

Between now and 2034, the Council expects to spend most of its money on
wastewater ($382.3 million), community and recreation ($353.3 million), and
transport ($238 million) (page 12). It’s also borrowing money to help fund big projects—but keeping within safe limits (page 18).

So, if you care about Upper Hutt’s future—whether it’s our environment, economy, culture, or community—read the full report and get involved. Local elections are your chance to speak up, vote smart, and maybe even stand for Council yourself!

The report includes lots of interesting stuff about Upper Hutt – such as we have 54 bridges to maintain. Who knew?

Get the Upper Hutt City Council’s Pre-Election Report 2025 here:
https://www.upperhutt.govt.nz/News/Pre-Election-Report-2025

A “thank you” to Stu for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

16/07/25