Statement on rate capping from our Chair Dr Deon Swiggs
Today's rates capping announcement needs to be understood alongside the challenges and changes proposed for local government, including the new resource management legislation due in coming weeks.
We absolutely share the government's concern about affordability for communities. No council wants to increase rates, and we work to balance essential service delivery with keeping costs down while meeting our legal obligations for environmental protection and climate adaptation.
The proposed 2-4 per cent band provides some flexibility, but rates capping raises fundamental questions. How do we fund infrastructure renewal? How do we build climate resilience? How do we respond rapidly to extreme weather events when our funding is constrained?
The work of regional councils goes beyond processing consents. We are responsible for natural resource management, public transport, biosecurity, flood and river protection, harbours and environmental monitoring. All of these services directly underpin New Zealand’s productive economy and community wellbeing.
We need time to work through the detail to ensure that local government is empowered to support thriving communities, economies, and environments for future generations.
We're committed to working constructively with central government to develop sustainable funding solutions that protect both current ratepayers and long-term regional resilience.
Dr Deon Swiggs
Chair Canterbury Regional Council
Chair Dr Deon Swiggs, Environment Canterbury