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Annual Plan 2026/27 and Rates Information

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The Annual Plan for 2026/27 was adopted by Council on 25 June 2026. It includes an average rates increase of 20.54% across the Clutha District.

Rates invoices for the first instalment will be sent to Clutha District ratepayers soon.

Key information

Average rates increase for 2026/27 year20.54% across the district.
What this meansThis is an average percentage across the district, and individual increases will vary depending on where a property is located and the services it receives. The table below breaks down an approximate overview for a variety of areas and property types.
Why rates are increasingCouncil is investing in essential services, particularly drinking water, wastewater and stormwater, while also reducing the three waters operational deficit.
Support availableRatepayers can arrange direct debit or automatic payment plans to smooth their payments out over a year. The Government’s Rates Rebate Scheme is also available for those that are eligible. More information and resources about each of these options can be found at the bottom of this page.

What does the average increase mean for me?

This table provides a more detailed overview for different areas and property types. The figures are based on one typical property in each area, so your own rates may be different depending on your property value and the services you receive.

Why has the increase happened?

This is the final year of the 2024/34 Long Term Plan, which set out a staged approach to spread a 45% rates increase over three years. Council expected rates to increase as it worked to meet legislative requirements, especially for water services.

Following a review of Council projects and their timing, particularly related to drinking water, wastewater and stormwater, and careful consideration during the decision-making process, Council resolved to increase rates to the district-wide average of 20.54%.

The largest increases are seen in areas that receive three waters services.

As outlined during consultation, this increase is above Council’s self-imposed rates cap of 20% per year in the Long Term Plan. This is because Council resolved to put additional funding towards reducing the three waters operational deficit.

What support is available?

We encourage people to consider the options available for spreading payments over the year, such as regular direct debits or automatic payments. You can read more about this here.

We also encourage ratepayers to check their eligibility for the government’s Rates Rebate Scheme. The Rates Rebate Scheme was established to provide a subsidy to low-income homeowners to help meet the cost of their rates. Read more, check your eligibility, and find out how to apply on our website - click here to read more.

If you have questions about either of these options that aren’t answered on our website, our Rates team is here to help. Please phone 0800 801 350 if you would like to discuss payment options further.

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