Auckland
Annual Plan
Auckland Council was first out of the gates with its draft Annual Plan, and one proposal in particular caught our attention: changes to the business rating differential.
In short, businesses could face a larger rates increase than previously signalled, despite the council’s earlier commitment to gradually reduce the business differential over time. This matters because Auckland businesses already pay a disproportionately large share of the city’s rates bill.
Our view is simple: if the long-term strategy is to remove the differential with a plan towards reduction, the Annual Plan should stay aligned with that direction, not drift away from it. At the very least, any change should be clearly justified and transparently communicated.
Plan Change 120 Update
The other big Auckland development this week relates to housing capacity under Plan Change 120.
Councillors have agreed to send a proposal to Housing Minister Chris Bishop outlining how Auckland’s theoretical housing capacity could be reduced from 2 million homes to around 1.6 million. The proposal includes a set of principles that would guide where intensification occurs, with a stronger focus on areas close to rapid transit, centres, and the City Rail Link.
The Government is expected to introduce legislation by late April to formalise the lower housing target. Once that happens, the council will prepare updated zoning maps and open the door for another round of submissions.
The key takeaway? Intensification should remain firmly focused around transport and centres to make the most of existing infrastructure.
Get in touch with Bella to see our draft submission on Auckland’s annual plan or to stay up to date on the latest PC120 changes.
Christchurch
Christchurch City Council has released its draft Annual Plan 2026/27 for public consultation. Among the proposals are:
- A rates increase of 7.4% for the average household, or $6.05 a week, and an overall average rates increase across all property types of 7.96%.
- $598.9 million of investment into Council infrastructure and facilities.
- $770.5 million for delivering the day-to-day services the Council provides.
We’ll be working closely with our South Island Regional Committee, who provide us with valuable insight from the sector, to help shape our feedback to Council on how these proposals could impact the property industry.
Our draft submission will also be shared with all members, and we welcome feedback from anyone at any stage. If you’d like to provide input once the draft is ready, please get in touch with Sandamali.
