NPDC Ranks Well in National Rates Data

Figures released following the Government’s recent Rates Inquiry reveal that New Plymouth District has the 14th lowest per capita rating in the country.


“This means that of 73 city and district councils in New Zealand, there are nearly 60 that collect more rates per head of population than NPDC,” says Mayor Peter Tennent.

“No one likes paying rates but these figures are very useful in putting NPDC’s rates into a national perspective.”

Mayor Tennent says the council is focused on keeping rates as low as possible.

“This new council has been given the clear message that we must continue to focus on minimising rates, whilst not compromising the fantastic lifestyle we all enjoy,” says the Mayor.

“We have some big challenges coming up, such as improvements to the city’s roading network – recommendations from the Transportation Study are due out early next year – so this council will have its work cut out to be financially prudent.”

In its analysis, the Rates Inquiry compared the general rates, uniform annual general charges and uniform annual charges (water, wastewater and rubbish services) from every city and district council.

NPDC ranks 14th lowest with its rates working out at $677 per capita. To the south of Taranaki, Wanganui is 39th lowest with $768 in rates per capita; and to the north, Waitomo is 67th lowest with $1,111 in rates per capita. The most expensive is Thames-Coromandel District Council with $1,770 in rates per capita.

The average rates per capita nationwide is $757.

Mayor Tennent adds: “The council has faced some serious financial pressures over the years in the form of funding depreciation, increased levels of services and the costs of major projects such as the $15 million development of the New Plymouth Water Treatment Plant and major sewerage schemes.

“There have also been major increases in the price of products used by the council, such as roading materials and sewerage pipes.

“New Plymouth District is advantaged by income from investments – the Perpetual Investment Fund is performing extremely well – plus there are some pretty significant trusts contributing to the vibrancy of the area, and a spirit of philanthropy seldom seen outside Taranaki.

“We’re on a more solid financial footing yet we still compare very favourably with the rates charged by other councils,” he says.

NPDC has a AAA credit rating from Standard and Poor’s – the highest of any council in New Zealand.