Waitomo mayor says new rates capping rules will not cause major change
Monday 7 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Simon Watts, Waitomo District Council
Waitomo Mayor John Robertson says new rates capping rules will not significantly impact the district. He noted that the council has already kept rates rises below 4% for four of the last six years.
Key facts
4 facts
- New council rate rises will be capped at 4% per year from 2029
- Waitomo District population is 9,050 and Ōtorohanga District population is 10,700
- Waitomo rates increases peaked at 11.07% in 2024
- Implementing RMA reform nationwide is estimated to cost $860 million
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Waitomo Mayor John Robertson says new rates capping rules will not make much difference to his district. Local Government Minister Simon Watts announced last month that council rate rises will be capped at a maximum of 4% annually starting in 2029. Councils may apply for exemptions to this cap in the event of acts of God, and water rates will also be exempt.
Robertson stated he has operated with a self-imposed rates cap since taking office. He noted that for four of the past six years, the Waitomo District Council has kept rate rises below 4%. While rates increases peaked at 11.07% in 2024, Robertson said the council has been "pretty well spot on the CPI average over those six years".
To manage costs, the council has narrowed its service scope to essentials and shared contractors and services with the neighbouring Ōtorohanga District. Robertson suggested that if his proposed 'King Country merger' proceeds, it would allow for further savings for ratepayers.
Ōtorohanga District Mayor Rodney Dow said rates capping is not a new concept for businesses. Dow noted that "if you charge too much, you don't get any work". He argued that rates are only a partial solution to funding and suggested reducing council responsibilities or inflation-adjusting alcohol-licensing fees.
Where reports differ
- One report states Waitomo kept rises below 4% for four of the last six years, while another says they kept rises below 5% for that period
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald and Waikato Times.
