Low council rates rise attracts attention
Published on 26 June 2025
Whanganui District Council has locked in its annual plan for 2025/26 – confirming an average rates increase of just 2.2 percent.
Mayor Andrew Tripe says it’s a result that has government ministers and mayors around the country taking notice.
“In the context of ongoing cost pressures, we’ve landed an average rates rise that’s the envy of the country. I’ve had mayors from other districts asking me how we actually managed to deliver such a low rates increase.
“The answer is simple – early on in the triennium we started developing a plan to drive down costs and improve efficiency via a six-point plan and it has worked for us.”
As well as improving efficiency, the plan looked at reducing council services, finding alternative funding for projects, identifying non-rates sources of revenue, and growing Whanganui’s population so there’s more households to pitch in on rates.
“This year’s low rates rise is the payoff from a deliberate strategy to adjust how the council operates,” Mayor Andrew says.
“I’m pleased to say we've managed to deliver a low rates rise while continuing our solid investment in infrastructure, with 80 percent of our capital spend in the next 10 years going on roading, footpaths and stormwater pipes.”
The annual plan outlines the council’s priorities for the year ahead, with submissions showing strong community support for the council’s preferred options. These include continuing down the path of exploring a standalone housing entity to grow Whanganui’s housing stock, adjusting council fees and charges to reflect cost increases, and making an additional loan payment of $590 000 to pay down debt more quickly.
Mayor Andrew says some might wonder if this year’s low rates rise will mean a spike next year but he wants to reassure people that the council is already focused on keeping rates low next year and beyond.
“I can assure you the council is looking ahead and will apply the same discipline to future budgets. We’re committed to keeping rates affordable, investing wisely, and delivering value for money.
“Despite some tough times nationwide in recent years, Whanganui is moving forward positively and through our annual plan we aim to support Whanganui to remain a great place to live with a real sense of vibrancy,” Mayor Andrew says.
The annual plan takes effect from 1 July 2025.
“Many people find the easiest way to pay rates is to set up a direct debit, often either fortnightly or weekly to match income frequency – this can be done online on the ‘Pay Your Rates’ section of the council website.
“Anyone who is on a low income and concerned about paying rates should contact the council’s rates team to discuss any options by emailing rates@whanganui.govt.nz“