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Local Government Minister Simon Watts chats incoming rates caps

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Mon, 1 Dec 2025, 5:43pm
Simon Watts. Photo / NZME
Simon Watts. Photo / NZME

Local Government Minister Simon Watts chats incoming rates caps

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Mon, 1 Dec 2025, 5:43pm

On Monday the Government announced an annual 2-4% rates cap range will be fully implemented by 2029.

The cap applies to all rates, including general rates, targeted rates and uniform annual charges, but excludes water charges and other non-rates revenue like fees and charges.

Local Government Minister Simon Watts told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "it's going to be tough Heather, but guess what, it's been tough on everyone - households, businesses.

"You think about those on fixed income, in particular, double-digit rate increases, some up to 20%. It's just simply not feasible, and that's what we've been hearing loud and clear from ratepayers"

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