CODC Mayor: Government rates cap will require "tough choices"

Statement to Crux from the CODC mayor Tamah Alley.

“The Government’s move toward a national rates band will be welcomed by many households who are feeling real cost-of-living pressure. Our community wants lower rates increases — I hear that loud and clear.

But we also can’t ignore decades of underinvestment in infrastructure, the impact of extreme inflation, and the realities of a fast-growing district like Central Otago. People expect safe drinking water, reliable roads, and community facilities that keep pace with growth, and those things do come with real costs.

I’m pleased the Government has listened to the sector and moved away from a rigid, one-size-fits-all cap. Councils around the country face very different challenges, and flexibility is essential. It’s also appropriate that the model includes a minimum increase.

Those calling for 0% rates rises are effectively asking someone else to pay for the services they use.

The new framework will still require tough choices. Staying within the rates range means we’ll have to say ‘no’ more often, and some projects will take longer to deliver, but that’s okay. Keeping things affordable means being clear about priorities and working with our community on what matters most.

Central Otago District Council is committed to responsible financial management and honest conversations so we can continue to deliver essential services our people rely on.

As for yet another regulator — I’m waiting on one to make a tangible difference to the cost of living for people in NZ, but it pays to remain optimistic.”

Read: Government rates cap announcement made this afternoon.