Dear Supporter,

The 2020 Ratepayers' Report is now live!

We've just released the 2020 edition of our local government league tables, produced in partnership with our sister group, the Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance.

Ratepayers' Report ranks local councils for metrics including average residential rates, liabilities, staffing costs, and more.

--> Click here to find out how your council compares <--

Once logged in, you can view the rankings for different metrics by clicking the "View the rankings" and clicking the headings that interest you.

By using per-household and per-ratepayer data, the Report allows for apples-to-apple comparisons between councils, so no-one can credibly claim cherry-picking or a political agenda.

Key findings:

Rates are still on the rise. On average, councils have increased their rates by $84, with the average residential rate nationwide now $2,445.

As for the overall rankings, we have a new "winner"...

• Carterton District Council now ranks highest for average residential rates at $3,472, just ahead of Auckland Council at $3,469. 

• The lowest average residential rates in New Zealand is the Central Otago District ($1,444).

• Christchurch City Council continues to have the highest liabilities per household compared to any other council ($27,510). Auckland Council follows in second place, with debt per household of $25,372. These are significant increases from 2019.

• The average liabilities per household for all councils is $6,144.

• The least efficient council in terms of staffing is Waitomo District Council, with a staff member for every 20 households. The most efficient is Thames-Coromandel District Council, with a staff member for every 128 households.

• Only four councils meet the full criteria for prudent Audit and Risk Committees. Western Bay of Plenty District Council failed to have a separate Audit and Risk Committee while Grey District Council didn’t have one at all, something which is considered basic financial prudence.

Further reading...

• Methodology and Q&A
• Highest and lowest average rates
• Commentary from the Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance

Ratepayers' Report is made possible by members and supporters like you chipping into the cause. To support our work click here to make an online donation via our secure website.

Thank you for your support.

Louis Houlbrooke Communications Officer New Zealand Taxpayers' Union