Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is boosting accountability and transparency for ratepayers by releasing a second round of council performance data today, Local Government Minister Simon Watts says.
“Rates are one of the biggest household bills Kiwis pay, yet they have no control over the cost. Ratepayers deserve to know where their money is going and how their council is delivering for their community,” Mr Watts says.
“With today’s release, we are putting information into the hands of the people who pay the bills, strengthening accountability and improving transparency around council performance.”
The first release of council metrics in 2025, focused on financial performance. This second round builds on that work with new measures covering asset management, service delivery and governance, alongside updated council profiles and comparison tables.
“These updated metrics are part of our Government’s wider programme to get councils back to basics and ensure stronger discipline around ratepayer funding,” Mr Watts says.
“We want councils focused on delivering the core services and infrastructure communities rely on.
“Last month we introduced legislation to cap council rates increases at four per cent. This discipline will keep rates affordable and provide greater certainty for households and businesses.
“Together, these changes give ratepayers more visibility over council performance and more confidence they are getting value for their money.”
Notes to editors:
- The information can be viewed at Council performance – Our work – Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport
- The Government established the council performance measurement framework to routinely publish council performance information and support clearer public accountability.
- Results should generally be compared between councils within the same group, rather than across all councils.
- The Government intends to continue developing the annual publication over time.
- Water services delivery measures are expected to be developed separately as water services delivery plans are analysed.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/25/council-performance-data-puts-ratepayers-in-the-drivers-seat/