Wellington mayoral candidates on limiting rates rises

Tuesday, 9 September 2025

Each week in the lead up to the election we are asking key mayoral candidates what they will do in key issues. This week: How they would limit rates increases.

Karl Tiefenbacher: Wellington has become unaffordable to live and to do business in. We need a culture change in council. WCC must review the cost of both procurement and delivery of everything it does to ensure we are getting the best value for money possible and where we’re not, immediately fix it, and put proper processes in place to ensure value for money is a priority going forward.

We need to stop the Golden Mile project immediately and instead work with businesses to improve the area. The cycleway roll out and organic waste projects need to be stopped and reassessed for financial viability.

Ray Chung: It is a false narrative that ongoing rates increases are the only way to solve Wellington’s infrastructure deficient and to deliver core services. It’s not a lack of income – it’s an issue with wasteful and irresponsible spending.

We will implement zero rates increases for three years and then tie increases to inflation, by actioning the $2.8 billion of wasteful spending already identified and focusing on efficiently delivering the core services only council can do.

We will streamline council’s operations, trim unnecessary and gold-plated projects, sell off liabilities, cut duplicated services, move social housing back to Government and encourage private partnership.

Alex Baker: Rates are city costs divided by population. With zero growth and high inflation since 2017, Wellington has been hit with relentless rate hikes. Previous councils’ refusal to maintain pipes, favouring keeping rates low, has only compounded the problem. Compared to Auckland, - $1500 of rates per household is the price of our stalled growth.

Kicking the can down the road isn’t a solution. The answer is growth. Good jobs, quality affordable homes, and a city people want to stay in. My plan tackles this head-on so we can share costs more fairly, keep rates sustainable, and build a vibrant, thriving Wellington.

Andrew Little: The level of rates increases we've seen in recent years can’t continue. Wellington is becoming unaffordable for working families and people on fixed incomes.

Through stronger financial management we can keep rates down and fund the things we value. I’ll run the ruler over all council spending to ensure it delivers on the city's priorities, and I’ll properly monitor projects with an external capital advisory group to prevent blowouts like the Town Hall and sludge plant.

I won't make unrealistic promises that will require cuts to the things we value. Any necessary increases will be reasonable, affordable and clearly explained.

Diane Calvert: Leading the new council, I will reset and reduce priorities, projects, and budgets so spending reflects what Wellingtonians value most. Rates will be kept in check by focusing on essentials such as infrastructure, public spaces, community facilities, and efficient consenting.

Council must also change how it works by using smarter technology, cutting duplication, and partnering more with our region and government to deliver improved services. At the same time, Wellington must be positioned for growth and competitiveness. Ratepayers deserve a council that is disciplined, effective, and collaborative, not one that spends beyond its means.

* Presented in the order candidates responded.