Taxpayers' Union Launches 2025 Ratepayers' Report for Canterbury 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.” 

“Canterbury ratepayers face a mixed picture. Christchurch households pay on average $3,370 in rates, while Selwyn and Waimakariri sit just over $3,000 per household, Meanwhile, Envrnoment Canterbury collects under $470 per household. 

“Debt levels in Canterbury also vary sharply – Timaru and Waimakariri carry the heaviest per-household liabilities, while Mackenzie and Hurunui have kept borrowing low. Christchurch City Council itself owes about $16,773 per household, and while the wider group sits at $105 per household, ratepayers across Canterbury deserve assurances that their councils are controlling costs.” 

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