3 out of 4 voters want a rates cap. A national RNZ-Reid Research poll shows that 75% of respondents back the idea of limiting how much councils can lift rates each year. Only 14% oppose it, with the rest unsure.
In the New Plymouth District, the question has become a campaign issue. Mayoral hopeful Max Brough wants a rates cap, arguing that the current “cap” of 10% has become a target and that council spending needs firmer guardrails. His pitch is to balance the books, not to slash arts, culture or sports.
Brough says “There is more political ambition to spend than financial reality allows. A rates cap is nothing more than setting an upper limit on spending increases.”
Others are cautious. Outgoing mayor Neil Holdom has called caps “great politics” but says they risk squeezing services unless funding tools change. The long-term plan already leans on rates increases to renew ageing assets.
Ratepayers hear both sides, but the mood is clear: people want value for money, fewer surprises, and a council that lives within its means. Supporters say a cap is one way to force clear priorities and curb “nice to have” projects.
James Ross, Head of Policy at the New Zealand Taxpayers Union, said the public is hurting financially. “The single largest driver of the cost-of-living crisis is these rates increases. I think people overwhelmingly have come to the conclusion that councils are failing to respect ratepayers.”
