Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Southland Councils

Southland ratepayers haul a light load of debt; Gore’s high costs weigh heaviest at the bottom of the country. 

Gore District Council tops costs at the bottom of the country, but Southland ratepayers haul the country's lightest load of debt, as revealed by the Taxpayers’ Union’s 2026 Ratepayers’ Report council league tables. 

Taxpayers' Union spokesperson, Josh Van Veen, said: 
 
 

“Southland may already be known for its fantastical landscapes and tourism-driving tramps, but now the Ratepayers’ Report shows locals shoulder the lightest load in debt per household ($7,435 average) than any other region in the country. Average residential rates range from $2,894 in Invercargill to $3,712 in Gore, a relatively similar rate in comparison to other regions.”  

“However, Gore District Council stands out across nearly every metric, with debt reaching $10,033 per household, staffing costs of $1,805 per household, and up to 19 staff per 1,000 households. These are large numbers for the bottom of the country. Gore also leads the region in consultant spending ($492 per household) adding further pressure on ratepayers in a small district.” 

“These figures highlight that even when debt is light, costs are not. For a region built on agriculture, tourism, industry, and resilience, councils have the responsibility to ensure spending choices deliver real value to the communities footing the bill. The Taxpayers' Union urges a rates cap now to fulfil that.” 

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. 

Southland Councils: 

• Environment Southland 

• Gore District Council 

• Invercargill City Council 

• Southland District Council 

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

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