27 Jun 2024

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A 10 year roadmap to build on Christchurch’s position as a thriving city has been finalised.

The Long Term Plan 2024–34 lays out Christchurch City Council’s programme for the next decade, the services the Council will provide, the projects the Council will complete and how they will be paid for.  

It includes no cuts to services and a lower-than-expected rates increase.  

“The LTP which we have adopted is ambitious, affordable and achievable,” Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger said. 

“Christchurch is proving it is a place where businesses can flourish. We are one of the top five places to invest in New Zealand, the central city is revitalised, and we’ve been named ‘the capital of cool’ and the place to visit. Canterbury University’s roll is thriving, we lead the country in delivering housing, we have an enviable lifestyle and awe-inspiring natural environment and, on top of this, we have recently been crowned New Zealand’s happiest city,” he said.

“I believe this LTP is a solid roadmap for the next 10 years, continuing to deliver the services our community wants, supporting efforts to improve our environment and reduce emissions, all while taking advantage of opportunities to support our city’s economy in the future.” 

Mayor Mauger said the overall average rates increase of 9.90% is one of the lowest around the country, particularly amongst other city councils.  

“For me, this is really important as every point lower means less coming from cash-strapped back pockets around the city. We have navigated these choppy financial waters in a relatively strong position,” the Mayor said.  

“This proposed increase includes additional support for community organisations like the Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, Orana Park and the Santa Parade, and accounts for the costs associated with Te Kaha.

“It also includes funding for helping our communities adapt to the impacts of climate change and natural hazards and continuing to bid for events to come to the city – all of this while not cutting our levels of service.” 

The 2024–34 Long Term Plan includes: 

  • An average residential rates increase for 2024/25 of 9.52%, which equates to an extra $6.17 a week on average. This is lower than the 12.4% average residential rates increase proposed in the Draft LTP. 
  • An average rates increase for all ratepayers of 9.90% for 2024/25. The average rates increase for all ratepayers proposed in the Draft LTP was 13.24%. 
  • An average business rates increase of 10.90%, which equates to an extra $1,775 a year, or $34.14 a week. This is lower than the 14.2% increase proposed in the Draft LTP. 
  • For an average remote rural property, a rates increase of 10.92% has been approved for 2024/25, which equates to $309 a year, or $5.94 a week. This is lower than the 15.4% overall average rates increase for remote rural properties proposed in the Draft LTP. 

“This result was made possible in part by dividends from our holdings company, Christchurch City Holdings Limited, applying subvention credits towards debt repayment and by tapping into things like our Capital Endowment Fund and the Strengthening Communities Fund,” Mayor Mauger said.  

The Mayor said the Council understands any increase has a significant impact on people and the increase will still put pressure on some businesses and households.  

“We must continue to find ways to reduce our operating and building costs as we implement this LTP to further reduce the impact of rate increases beyond the first year.”