Photo: LDRPalmerston North's council is facing "the same upward pressure on prices that households and business are" as it spends an extra $2500 per day on fuel costs, the city's mayor says. Photo: LDRCouncils across Central Districts were asked how recent government announcements and the constant uptake in fuel prices were impacting council business and decision-making. Smith said Palmerston North was "monitoring" the situation and keeping a close eye on the government's revised National Fuel Plan and the financial boost which some families were set to receive from April 1. Taraua's mayor Scott Gilmore said planning was in place to ensure council and community were prepared, but the "increasing fuel costs are starting to impact everyone, including council's operations". Horowhenua District Council remained focused on keeping council expenses down, and like Tararua and Palmerston North councils, it was in close contact with local Civil Defence teams.

Source: Stuff April 01, 2026 20:41 UTC