Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Otago Councils 

Otago ratepayers crushed by debt; extreme rates divide between Queenstown Lakes and Clutha District. 

 The Taxpayers’ Union’s Ratepayers’ Report, released today, reveals Otago region is home to the highest per-household council debt in the country. Queenstown Lakes owes nearly $30,000 per household in debt, while the Otago region faces one of the widest rates gaps in the country. 

The full council league tables are available at RatepayersReport.nz. 

Taxpayers' Union spokesperson, Josh Van Veen, said: 
 
 

“The Ratepayers’ Report is a series of league table allowing Kiwis to compare their local council’s performance and financial position against others. The report provides transparency for ratepayers across Otago.” 

“Otago ratepayers are carrying some of the heaviest debt burdens in the country, with the region ranking third overall. Queenstown Lakes District Council stands out, with debt hitting a more than $28,000 per household. Queenstown locals are also paying sky-high rates, averaging $4,848 per household, compared to just $2,678 in Clutha District. At a 181 percent difference, that one of the largest gaps within a single region anywhere in New Zealand – second only to Wellington.” 

“The Ratepayers’ Report reveals a region where ratepayers are being squeezed from every angle: high debt, high rates, and growing financial pressure. When Dunedin City Council has more than 40 percent of staff on six-figure salaries, and the region has some of the highest staffing costs nationally per household, serious questions need to be asked about spending priorities.” 

“With costs this high, Otago ratepayers deserve confidence that every dollar is being spent wisely. Right now, the numbers suggest otherwise, which implies the significance of capping rates 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. 

Otago Councils:

• Central Otago District Council 

• Clutha District Council 

• Dunedin City Council 

• Otago Regional Council 

• Queenstown Lakes District Council 

• Waitaki District Council 

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

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