Taxpayers' Union Launches 2025 Ratepayers' Report for Taranaki Councils 

The New Zealand Taxpayers' Union has today published the 2025 edition of the Ratepayers' Report, available at RatepayersReport.nz.  

Taxpayers' Union spokesperson, Sam Warren, said: 
 
“The Ratepayers’ Report allows Kiwis to easily compare their local council’s performance and financial position for 2023/24 against others. The report provides transparency for ratepayers, especially important this year as we head into the local government elections.” 

“Taranaki’s larger councils are running up hefty debts, with New Plymouth and South Taranaki ratepayers each owing more than $13,000 per household – some of the highest debt levels nationwide. 

“Transparency is also a concern, with Stratford District and the Regional Council refusing to disclose how many staff are paid more than $100,000. New Plymouth reported 217 and South Taranaki 49 full-time equivalent staff on more than $100,000 per year. On the rates front, South Taranaki households pay some of the lowest bills in the North Island at $2,725 per household, while New Plymouth and Stratford are closer to the national average.” 

“Ratepayers should be concerned about the lack of transparency in the region. Combined with soaring debt levels, that secrecy makes it even harder for Taranaki residents to hold their councils accountable.” 

“Ratepayers can compare their councils for themselves at RatepayersReport.nz.”