An 11.6% average rates rise has been proposed for the Queenstown Lakes District. Councillors will be asked to approve the draft annual plan consultation document, which includes the proposed average rates rise, after allowing for a 3.5% growth in the rating database at tomorrow’s full council meeting,Initially, the proposed rates increase was 19%. Council’s assurance, finance and risk general manager Katherine Harbrow said, in a statement, the proposed average rates rise was consistent with what was proposed for year three of its long-term plan. She noted "significant work" had been required to reduce the rates increase and ensure it remained aligned with the council’s original projection. The draft annual plan being presented to councillors tomorrow also included details of the work to deliver the long-term plan (2024-2034) to date.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 17, 2026 16:27 UTC