Tauranga City Council rates and job cuts 2025

The story so far

Tauranga City Council's proposed 2025/26 Annual Plan included a 12 per cent rates rise, which ratepayers criticised at a May hearing, with submitters urging reduced spending.^{14 May 2025} The council received more than 1,000 submissions on the plan and considered cutting over 100 roles to reduce costs.^{22 May 2025} After identifying $9.85 million in extra operating savings, the council lowered the proposed increase to 9.9 per cent, following criticism of the earlier 12 per cent figure, which had been reduced from a projected 20 per cent.^{30 May 2025} By mid-June the council had cut 98 positions and was reviewing its leadership and organisational structure, and a union representative said staff would be expected to do more with less.^{18 Jun 2025} Councillors adopted the plan on 26 June, confirming a 9.9 per cent rise under which homeowners face paying between $180 and $1,124 more in rates.^{26, 27 Jun 2025}

Latest

Councillors formally adopted the 2025/26 Annual Plan on 26 June, confirming the 9.9 per cent rise, while about 60 people protested outside the council building.^{26, 27 Jun 2025}

What's next

Further job cuts may occur as the council's leadership and organisational review continues.^{18 Jun 2025}

Key moments

1. 14 May 2025Ratepayers at hearing criticise proposed 12 per cent rates rise, urge spending cuts.
2. 22 May 2025Council considers disestablishing more than 100 roles after over 1,000 submissions.
3. 30 May 2025Council cuts proposed rates increase to 9.9 per cent with $9.85 million savings.
4. 18 Jun 2025Council has cut 98 positions and begins leadership and structure review.
5. 26 Jun 2025Councillors adopt 2025/26 plan confirming 9.9 per cent rates rise.
6. 27 Jun 2025About 60 people protest outside council building as plan is adopted.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.