Taxpayers' Union Launches 2025 Ratepayers' Report for Bay of Plenty Councils   

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.” 

“Bay of Plenty ratepayers are facing some of the steepest bills in the country, with Tauranga households paying an average of $4,144 each year in rates, and Western Bay residents $3,926 per household – both well inside the top 10, nationally. Tauranga and Rotorua also rank among the most indebted councils in New Zealand, with liabilities of $21,539 and $16,835 per household, respectively. On top of that, Tauranga ran a huge deficit of $1,382 per household last year.” 

“Even record-high rates aren’t covering spending. Ratepayers have every right to question whether their councils are managing their money responsibly.” 

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