Invercargill City Council led the charge on Tuesday when it ushered in an average rise of 7.03% — higher than its March position but less than the 8.43% forecast in its long-term plan.
Mayor Tom Campbell acknowledged the increase was still ‘‘a lot’’ for people who were struggling but said an ‘‘enormous amount of work’’ had gone into keeping it at that level.
Council group manager Patricia Christie said Invercargill’s final figure was slightly above the March amount because of decisions the council had made on fees and charges, including for Splash Palace, buses and parking.
Southland district councillors approved an average increase of 9.77% on Wednesday which was less than the 11.02% forecast in the council’s long-term plan.
A report prepared for the meeting acknowledges cost pressures affecting ratepayers across the district.
Environment Southland set the smallest rates jump in the region with an average increase of 3.25%, markedly less than its forecast 12.6%.
The regional council said it achieved the reduced amount through ‘‘careful prioritisation of work programmes, timing decisions, efficiency improvements and the use of reserves’’.
Gore District Council is expected to approve an increase of 10.83% on Tuesday which is lower than the 11.87% forecast in its long-term plan.
The changes will come into effect from July 1 when the new financial year begins.
• LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
