Rates Rise Trimmed To 5.8% For Canterbury Ratepayers
Canterbury ratepayers are set to get some relief, with the regional council slashing its proposed average rate rise to 5.8 percent.
Environment Canterbury consulted on an average rate rise of 9.9 percent, after signalling a rates hike of 15.5 percent in last year's 2024/34 Long Term Plan.
But staff found further savings, following cuts to public transport funding, allowing councillors to endorse a revised rate rise of 5.8 percent during annual plan deliberations on Tuesday, May 28.
The council has been under pressure from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to increase bus fares, with less funding available for public transport.
Chairperson Craig Pauling said the annual plan had produced a good outcome for the region.
''I was pleased with council's detailed and good-spirited debate, and our consistent focus on strategic outcomes for Waitaha.
''We don't always get the things we want, and some of the decisions we had to make were unfortunately the result of changing government policies and investment priorities.
''But I feel we've landed in a good place for the region.''
Pauling said public transport, river resilience and biodiversity remained priorities for the council, despite the pressures of the economic climate and changing government policy.
The council was forced to rethink its investment in public transport due to reduced funding from central government.
As signalled in the consultation, bus fares will increase, with the flat fare trial coming to an end in February next year.
Standard adult fares will increase from $2 to $3 from July, with increases for child fares, total mobility card holders and community service card holders.
A two-zone fare structure in be introduced in February, with Waimakariri and Selwyn bus users paying $3 to travel within their own own district and $4 to travel into Christchurch.
A proposed two-year trial to establish a third zone linking Darfield, Kirwee and West Melton with Rolleston was dropped following submissions.
Councillor John Sunckell proposed the council go ahead with the trial, funding $150,000 a year from reserves to reduce the targeted rate.
But staff noted it was not eligible for NZTA funding and proposed investigating further support for the Malvern Community Vehicle Trust.
The council will meet again on June 25 to adopt the annual plan.
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