Taxpayers' Union Launches 2026 Ratepayers' Report for Top of the South Councils

Top of the South’s sunny image at a cost; Nelson rates and Tasman debt bearing down on ratepayers. 

The three councils across the Top of the South are imposing rising financial burdens on ratepayers through higher rates, growing debt, and expanding council operations, according to the Taxpayers’ Union’s 2026 Ratepayers’ Report council league tables. 

Taxpayers' Union spokesperson, Josh Van Veen, said: 
 
 

“While the Top of the South markets itself as a desirable place to live and visit, the Ratepayers’ Report shows that this comes with a growing cost for local households.” 

“Residential rates across the region range from averages of $3,828 in Marlborough to $4,650 in Nelson, with Nelson City Council claiming the fifth-highest residential rates across the country. These are significant costs for ratepayers in smaller, tourism-dependent communities.” 

“Tasman District Council stands out across multiple measures for all the wrong reasons, having the highest numbers across the Top of the South region in debt ($14,312 per household), staffing costs ($1,602 per household), and 28 percent of staff in management or communications roles. With figures like these, Tasman need to be doing better by their ratepayers.” 

“Even in a smaller region, these figures point to a normalised culture of high rates and councils expanding their operations while passing the costs directly onto ratepayers. Whether it’s debt, staffing, or bureaucracy, households are being asked to bear the burden of their council’s mismanagement. In regions built on tourism and small business, all councils must especially ensure spending is controlled and prioritised on core services – not absorbed by office growth. To incentivise such prioritisation, the Taxpayers' Union backs an immediate rates cap.” 

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. 

Top of the South Councils: 

• Marlborough District Council 

• Nelson City Council 

• Tasman District Council 

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

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