Canterbury’s Regional Council Proposes Rates Rise Under 10%

Thursday, 27 February 2025, 11:02 pm
Article: David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

February 26, 2025

The future of public transport is being reconsidered, as Canterbury’s regional council looks to keep its average rates rise under 10 percent.

Environment Canterbury adopted its draft 2025/26 annual plan on Wednesday (February 26), proposing an average rates rise of 9.9%.

Chairperson Craig Pauling said the council has been forced to rethink its investment in public transport due to reduced funding from central Government.

‘‘I think it is important to note that things are still going ahead in public transport, river resilience and biodiversity, but we’ve had to make changes particularly around public transport.

‘‘Our goal of providing a modern public transport service is unchanged, but this will take time and money, and we are now aware that the central Government grants will not be available to support certain programmes.’’

The council is proposing to spend $358.8m in the 2025/26 financial year, with $214m coming from ratepayers.

Bus fares will also increase, with the flat fare trial coming to an end in February next year.

The council voted in December to increase bus fares from $2 to $3 from the middle of this year (with cheaper concessions available for eligible users).

It is proposing to change the flat fare structure to either a two-zone or three zone fare structure and is seeking feedback.

Under the proposal, Waimakariri bus users would pay $3 to travel within the Waimakariri district and $4 to travel into Christchurch.

The third zone, if adopted, would apply in the Selwyn district.

Councillors voted by 15-1 in favour of adopting the draft annual plan, with only Mid Canterbury councillor Ian Mackenzie voting against it.

Cr Mackenzie noted the variations in average rate increases across the region, with Ashburton ratepayers facing an average rates rise of 17%.

He was concerned councillors had not considered deferring more projects to keep the rates rise down.
Selwyn ratepayers could face a 12% rates rise, depending on which public transport option they chose.

North Canterbury councillor Claire McKay echoed Cr Mackenzie’s concerns, but acknowledged the work of staff in getting the average rates rise under 10%.

‘‘Let’s be honest, I would like it to be lower.’’

Cr Joe Davies said he was disappointed to see the mass rapid transport and rail proposals deferred.

‘‘Transformative public transport is a priority and we are behind where we need to be as a growing city.

‘‘I think we should be approaching the Government with a business case rather than waiting for the Government to come up with the funding.

Consultation on the draft annual plan is open until April 3, with hearings to be held in May.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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