Taxpayers' Union Launches 2025 Ratepayers' Report for West Coast 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.” 

“West Coast councils present a mixed picture. West Coast Regional Council has hiked rates by an average of 65 percent over the past three years – the largest cumulative increase nationwide – yet average rates bills remain relatively low at $557. Westland District, however, ran one of the deepest deficits in the country at $1,543 per household, showing it is spending well beyond its income. 

“Meanwhile, Buller reported 31 staff on six-figure salaries despite serving just 6,000 ratepaying households, raising eyebrows about costs in such a small district.” 

“Even with relatively small populations, West Coast councils are running up big costs and deficits. Residents need to ask how sustainable this level of spending really is.” 

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