Wellington’s Mayor and City Councillors have agreed the draft 2026/27 Annual Plan proposals that will go out for public consultation from 10 April to 10 May 2026.

Rates affordability is a major issue for Wellingtonians, and these draft proposals are an important step towards getting the Council’s finances under control, with more work to do.

At this week’s Te Taurapa Council Planning and Finance Committee meeting, the Council supported asking Wellingtonians for feedback on these proposals:

• introducing a new rate for short-term accommodation providers (like Airbnb) at a rate of 2.6 times the general rates for properties available for short-term accommodation for more than 60 days per year
• changes to the Paneke Pōneke Bike network plan by either reducing the programme for the year to $3.4 million or maintaining the existing programme of $10.5 million
• increases to contaminated waste (asbestos) disposal fees
• increases to cremation fees
• introducing new venue hire fees for Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui (Central library) and Toi Pōneke arts facility
• increasing fees and charges for berths and marinas, swimming pools, recreation centres, and dog ownership transfers, as well as standard inflation-related increases for other Council facilities
• changes to operating expenditure to reduce rates for the year.

The consultation document proposes a draft budget that would result in an average 7.4% rates increase (including 2% for the sludge levy) for the 2026/27 financial year, down from the originally planned 12.7% increase.

Councillor Diane Calvert, Chair of Te Taurapa Council Planning and Finance Committee, says: “The direction from this Council is to prioritise the core services our community expects, reduce expenditure and invest in the activities that demonstrably deliver value for Wellingtonians.

“Not everyone is going to agree with every proposal, and we welcome feedback from the community and businesses when the consultation opens in April to help shape the Council’s final decisions.”

Wellington City Mayor Andrew Little says during the local body election campaign last year Wellingtonians gave a clear message that rates affordability was a major issue for our communities.

“We are determined to respond to that message, operate responsibly and within our means, and make good on our promise to grow trust and confidence in council by our residents and ratepayers.”

Consultation on the Annual Plan will take place from 10 April to 10 May.

Wellingtonians can learn more and have their say with a dedicated web hub, oral submissions, and printed materials in Council venues.

Elected members will make final decisions at the end of May once community feedback has been considered.

After the deliberations, the Annual Plan will be audited prior to final adoption in June 2026 and will be in place from 1 July 2026.

Note:

Annual Plans - Plans, policies and bylaws - Wellington City Council (https://wellington.govt.nz/your-council/plans-policies-and-bylaws/plans-and-reports/annual-plan)

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