On 27 March 2025, Property Council submitted on Christchurch City Council’s Draft Annual Plan 2026/27.
Why this matters to our members
Property Council advocates for the creation and retention of a well-designed, functional and sustainable built environment. The Draft Annual Plan 2026/27 outlines the direction of Christchurch City Council for the next twelve months and will influence outcomes across Christchurch.
Our view
Property Council is concerned that the draft Annual Plan proposes significant rates and fee increases, alongside continued business and vacant site differentials, placing pressure on ratepayers and investment. A stronger focus is needed on reducing expenditure, improving transparency and forecasting, and adopting alternative funding approaches.
At a high level, we recommended that Christchurch City Council:
- Review and reduce the operational expenditure (currently sitting $56.4m higher than forecasted in the Long Term Plan);
- Provide clarification for fee increases, including the cost drivers, and how they reflect genuine cost recovery;
- Incorporate a phased plan for the complete removal of the business differential in next year’s Long-Term Plan and investigate alternative funding mechanisms;
- Incorporate a phased plan for the complete removal of the vacant site differential in next year’s Long-Term Plan; and
- Investigate a Regional Deal with Central Government;
- Avoid imposing further rates increases on ratepayers to restore Christchurch’s iconic buildings, and instead investigate alternative funding mechanisms;
- Optimise the existing road network to address ongoing congestion challenges in the central city; and
- Embed efficient traffic movement as a core principle in all future roading designs.