Council Boss: Report Cards Don't Tell Full Story

Thursday, 7 August 2025, 5:17 pm
Article: David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

New local government performance benchmarks are a useful tool, but lack local context, say North Canterbury council leaders. 

The Government published new performance metrics last week, which include figures on council rates revenue, debt and staff costs. Local Government Minister Simon Watts said the report gives clear facts and figures directly into the hands of ratepayers. 

‘‘We know it is really tough out there and the cost of living is the biggest worry for households. Councils need to show they are wisely spending ratepayers’ hard-earned money. 

‘‘Some ratepayers are getting more and more fed up with rising rates hitting pockets harder than ever.’’ 

The figures have been taken from each council’s Long Term Plans and annual plans. 

But Waimakariri District Council chief executive Jeff Millward said the figures, as presented, do not tell the full story.

‘‘We are one of the fastest growing districts in the country and this isn’t reflected in the report. 

‘‘It means our rates are increasing a lot in terms of dollars, but the average rate rise per household is lower. 

‘‘And when you look at our debt levels, it doesn’t take into account our earthquake recovery debt.’’

This year’s annual plan has an average rate rise of 4.98 percent, one of the lowest in the country. 

But the report lists Waimakariri with a rates revenue increase of 8.5%. Waimakariri’s debt to revenue ratio is showing as 134.4%, which puts the district in the ‘‘middle of the pack’’, Mr Millward said. 

The Waimakariri District Council, with a population of around 74,000, has been grouped in the small metro and large provincial group, alongside other Canterbury districts Ashburton, Selwyn and Timaru.

The Hurunui and Kaikōura councils have been placed in the small provincial and rural group, alongside fellow Canterbury districts Mackenzie and Waimate. 

Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said he welcomed the efforts for more transparency. 

‘‘It is known information, but put together in such a way which makes it easier for people to look at.

 ‘‘But I think there are some dangers where they quote a percentage but they don’t give the context.’’

Hurunui is one of the largest districts in the country geographically, but has a population of around 15,000.

‘‘It means we need more roading and more pipes compared to other districts,’’ Mr Dobbie said.

Kaikōura has a population of just 4200, but provides infrastructure for up to 10,000 people to cater for tourists.

Kaikōura District Council chief executive Will Doughty said anything which assists people in accessing information ‘‘is a good thing’’. 

He encouraged people to get in contact with the council if they have any concerns. 

- LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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