This year, the Regional Council is proposing a 4% increase to general rates for 2026/27 as part of its draft Annual Plan. This has been reduced from 8.2% that was forecast for Year 3 of the Long Term Plan 2024-2034.

In a climate of rising costs and financial pressure on households, Councillors remain focused on keeping costs to the community as affordable as possible, while ensuring we can continue delivering the services and projects agreed through the Long Term Plan.

This year’s budgets have been carefully reviewed to ensure they remain fiscally responsible, reflect updated work programme timing and costs, and stay true to the commitments we’ve made to local communities.

The Annual Plan outlines how we will continue progressing the priorities in the Long Term Plan, with rates set in July ahead of invoices going out to ratepayers in September.

You can find out more about the work we do and what projects are happening this year. You can also find a financial overview.

Proposed Rates Calculator

An online rates calculator is available to help look up the proposed 2026/27 rates changes by property based on the draft Annual Plan 2026/27 and Long Term Plan amendment.