ECan cuts back average rates rise to 2.4%

Environment Canterbury hopes to "ease the burden" on ratepayers by reducing its average rates rise to 2.4%.

ECan councillors agreed last week to reduce the proposed average rate rise from 2.9% to 2.4% as part of its annual plan deliberations.

Speaking to Local Democracy Reporting, Environment Canterbury chairperson Dr Deon Swiggs said the council had taken ‘‘a balanced and pragmatic approach’’.

‘‘Many people are doing it tough with fuel prices and the cost of living, so this will help to ease the burden.

‘‘Councillors looked carefully at where we could reduce costs, while still making sure we continue investing in the things that matter most to our communities.’’

The council is facing pressure from fuel price rises, with the cost of diesel impacting on public transport services.

However, ECan is making use of public transport reserves to boost services for Rangiora, Rolleston and Aranui.

The Government’s decision to slash Total Mobility subsidies from 75% to 65% has also led to a $1.2m saving for ratepayers.

Flood protection remains in the council sights, with an extra $2m to be invested in the Waimakariri River network.

A one-off $100,000 increase has also been made to the council’s contestable funds to support more on-the-ground biodiversity projects.

The council received feedback on the annual plan from 119 individuals and organisations.

Dr Swiggs said feedback considered environmental outcomes, flood resilience, public transport, affordability and ‘‘value for money’’.

Feedback from district councils and Ngāi Tahu highlighted the importance of collaboration and a Tiriti-based approach.

The council will meet again on June 24 to adopt the final 2026/27 annual plan.

Work is under way to prepare the 2027/37 Long Term Plan, even though the council may not be around to deliver it.

The Government has given councils three months to present proposals to reorganise local government in the region, with a unitary council(s) likely to replace ECan.

‘‘From a regional council perspective, some of our work is absolutely essential for saving lives, such as flood protection,’’ Dr Swiggs said.

‘‘We need to do it well, so when the transition happens everything is in place.’’

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.