Taxpayers' Union Launches 2025 Ratepayers' Report for Auckland Council 

The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union has today published the 2025 edition of the Ratepayers' Report, available at RatepayersReport.nz. 

Taxpayers' Union spokesperson, Sam Warren, said: 
 
“The Ratepayers’ Report allows Kiwis to easily compare their local council’s performance and financial position for 2023/24 against others. The report provides transparency for ratepayers, especially important this year as we head into the local government elections.” 

“Aucklanders are carrying some of the heaviest financial burdens in the country, with the Council owing a staggering $15.9 billion – that’s $26,000 per household, and nearly half of all council debt in New Zealand. On top of that, staffing costs are eye-watering, with 5,314 of its 6,418 staff paid more than $100,000 and total personnel expenses reaching $662 million.” 

“Ratepayers need to ask whether they are getting value for money when the Council is running such massive debts while employing thousands of staff on six-figure salaries.” 

“Ratepayers can compare their councils for themselves at RatepayersReport.nz.”