Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Canterbury Councils

Canterbury ratepayers feeling the aftershocks; Christchurch debt and widening cost gaps hit hard. 

Councils across Canterbury are placing increasing financial strain on ratepayers through rising debt, staffing, and outsourcing costs, according to the Taxpayers’ Union’s 2026 Ratepayers’ Report council league tables. 

Taxpayers' Union spokesperson, Josh Van Veen, said: 
 
 

“Canterbury has seen significant growth and rebuilding over the past decade, but the Ratepayers’ Report shows that these pressures are translating into higher costs for households right across the region.” 

“There are widening cost gaps across the Canterbury region as rates range from $2,901 in Waimate to $4,307 in Selwyn. Ratepayers will be asking if the services provided in Selwyn are worth the near-50 percent difference.” 

“Christchurch City Council carries the region’s highest debt burden, at $16,462 per household. While much of this reflects earthquake recovery and infrastructure investment, it still represents a significant long-term cost for ratepayers that must be kept in check by reducing other administrative overheads.” 

“Mackenzie District Council’s reliance on consultants and contractors ($2,544 per household) points to heavy outsourcing, while Kaikōura District Council has more than one-in-three staff working in management or communications roles, raising serious questions about bureaucratic overhead and bloat from a council that serves the smallest population in the country.” 

“These figures highlight a region where both fast-growing and smaller councils are grappling with rising costs, but too often passing them directly onto ratepayers. Strong growth should not be an excuse for inefficient spending, the Taxpayers' Union is calling on all councils to rein in, refocus on delivering core services efficiently, and for rates to be capped now.” 

Prior to publication, every council were provided their figures for error checking, with requested corrections made. We encourage ratepayers to compare their council for themselves at RatepayersReport.nz. 

Canterbury Councils: 

• Ashburton District Council 

• Christchurch City Council 

• Environment Canterbury 

• Hurunui District Council 

• Kaikōura District Council 

• Mackenzie District Council 

• Selwyn District Council 

• Timaru District Council 

• Waimakariri District Council 

• Waimate District Council 

Regional media releases, including relevant notable findings, can be found here.

Frequently asked questions, including on methodology, can be found here.