Public consultation is now open on Wellington City Council’s draft budget for the coming financial year (the 2026/27 Annual Plan).

The draft budget reduces the forecast rates rise from 12.7 percent to 7.4 percent, by reducing some spending and increasing revenue.

“We have proposed options to make a more affordable city and keep rises as low as possible, while prioritising services and community facilities, jobs and the economy, and environmental protection,” says Mayor Andrew Little.

“I want every Wellingtonian to give feedback on the Council’s draft budget. That will help us to protect the community facilities and services people really care about, while also keeping rates rises as low as possible.”

Councillor Diane Calvert, Chair of the Council’s Te Taurapa Planning and Finance Committee, says: “Consultation gets underway at a time when fuel prices have risen quickly, which puts pressure on households, and the Council.

“It’s all the more reason to participate and give feedback, because Councillors need to know what’s most important to Wellingtonians when final budget decisions are made in May.”

Consultation details:

The consultation document, submission forms and answers to common questions are all available at letstalk.wellington.govt.nz/mahere-tau-annual-plan-202627

Printed copies and submission boxes are available in Wellington City Libraries.

The Council is required to consult on certain key changes. These are:

• introducing a rating change for short–term accommodation providers
• changes to the roll-out of the Paneke Pōneke Bike Network Plan
• increases to fees for contaminated waste
• increases to cremation fees
• introducing new room hire fees for Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui Central Library and Toi Pōneke
• increases to fees for marinas, berths and recreation centres.

The consultation period closes at 5pm, Sunday 10 May 2026.

The remaining key dates in the Annual Plan process are:

• Oral Hearings: 14 May - 19 May
• Committee and Council Deliberations: 27 May
• Final plan adopted: 25 June

© Scoop Media