Wellington City Council is consulting on reducing the city’s commercial rates differential. Property Council supports reducing it from 3.7:1 to 3.0:1 and we’re encouraging Wellington based members to have their say.
Wellington currently has the highest business rates differential in New Zealand.
This means commercial properties face a significantly higher general rates multiplier than residential properties, adding to the cost of operating and investing in the city.
The impact is clear. In a comparison provided by a Property Council member, similar B-grade CBD-fringe office buildings, each between 5,000sqm and 7,500sqm NLA, with a similar capital value*, the difference in operating costs is striking:
🏢 Council rates:
Wellington: $94.83/m²
Auckland: $45.19/m²
*Valuation as of 2025
🛡️ Insurance:
Wellington: $65.46/m²
Auckland: $18.52/m²
Our April 2026 survey of Wellington CBD businesses also found that 91% of businesses rank Wellington as less competitive compared to other major New Zealand city centres. Reducing the differential is an important step towards a fairer rating system and a more competitive, open-for-business Wellington.
Have your say: support a reduction to 3.0:1
To make it easier for members to participate, we’ve prepared a template submission outlining Property Council’s position. We encourage you to personalise it with your own experiences and explain how rates affect your organisation. It takes just five minutes to do.
How to submit
- Download the template submission.
- Fill in the date and your organisation’s name.
- Add a real example of how high rates or the business differential affect your business.
- Complete the sign-off with your name and role.
- You can also amend the template or add your own views.
- Email your submission to this address: ratingpoliciesreview@wcc.govt.nz
Make sure your submission is sent before the consultation closes on 15 November 2026.
We encourage you to fill out Wellington Council’s survey too…
We encourage members to complete the online survey too, particularly Key Proposal 2: Changing the general rates differential for businesses and voice their support for reducing the differential.
Your voice matters! Every submission helps demonstrate the breadth of support for change. The more Wellington businesses and property owners who share their experiences, the stronger the case for a fairer differential and a city where people, businesses and investment can thrive.
Together, let’s advocate for a vibrant, open-for-business and affordable Wellington region that attracts people.
Author | Bella Leddy
As a Senior Advocacy Advisor, Bella leads the development of policy and advocacy initiatives that reflect the real-world experience of our members.
With a Bachelor of Laws and Politics from Otago University and previous experience as a policy intern at the Department of Internal Affairs, Bella brings both a sharp analytical mind and a genuine passion for public policy. She’s particularly energised by engaging with members to ensure our advocacy is grounded in industry insight and practical solutions.
Extroverted, thoughtful and service-focused, Bella thrives in roles that connect people and ideas. Outside the office, she channels her energy into teaching group fitness classes – including yoga, pilates and spin – and is always up for a good political yarn.
