Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Hawke’s Bay Councils

Hawke’s Bay hit with high debts; Wairoa’s outsourcing costs on consultants and contractors raise alarms. 

Councils across Hawke’s Bay are loading up ratepayers with high costs, rising debt, and heavy reliance on contractors, according to the Taxpayers’ Union’s 2026 Ratepayers’ Report. The league tables highlight significant variation across the region, with Hastings District Council and Wairoa District Council standing out for all the wrong reasons. 

Taxpayers' Union spokesperson, Josh Van Veen, said: 
 
 

“Hastings District Council stands out with the highest debt in the region ($14,449 per household), with nearly 29 percent of staff in management or communications roles, ratepayers will be questioning whether this level of bureaucracy is justified.” 

“Wairoa District Council raises serious concerns around its use of consultants and contractors, with spending hitting an extraordinary $12,923 per household. That level of outsourcing is far beyond what most councils in the country are spending and suggests a lack of internal capability or cost control.” 

“Napier City Council also stands out for its staffing footprint, with up to 22 full-time staff per 1,000 households, with at least 169 staff paid at least $100,000 – another indicator of growing council size and cost.” 

“These figures point to a region where ratepayers are being asked to fund high costs across the board, from debt to staffing to outsourcing. The Taxpayers' Union is calling on Hawke’s Bay councils to rein in spending and 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. 

Hawke’s Bay Councils: 

• Central Hawke’s Bay District Council 

• Hastings District Council 

• Hawke’s Bay Regional Council 

• Napier City Council 

• Wairoa District Council 

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

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