Taxpayers' Union Launches 2025 Ratepayers' Report for Manawatū-Whanganui 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.” 

“Ruapehu District’s ratepayers are paying through the nose, with average residential bills of $4,339 per household – the third-highest in the country. Meanwhile, Horowhenua households carry the region’s heaviest debt at $13,562 per household, with Tararua and Whanganui ratepayers not far behind. 

“On staffing, Palmerston North City dominates, employing 641 staff including 152 on six-figure salaries, while smaller districts run with far fewer high-paid employees.” 

“These figures show the region is under enormous financial pressure, with both high rates and high debt. Ratepayers deserve to know what they are getting in return for such heavy household costs.” 

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