Greater Wellington Regional Council [GWRC] rates are set to increase by almost 18 per cent.
GWRC said in its proposed annual plan public engagement document that the 17.8 per cent increase equates to an average region-wide increase per week of $1.99 [including GST] for a residential ratepayer, $13.30 [excluding GST] for a business ratepayer, and $1.96 [excluding GST] for a rural ratepayer.
The increase is set out in the 2021-2031 long-term plan.
Masterton residential rates are set to increase by $89 per year, while Carterton will see an increase of $85, and South Wairarapa will have to fork out another $112.
Masterton businesses will have the highest rates bill, with an annual increase of $341. Carterton businesses will be charged an extra $155, and South Wairarapa $265.
Rural rates will have the biggest hike in South Wairarapa, increasing by $156. The rural rate in Carterton is set to increase by $123, and $115 in Masterton.
GRWC said individual rates could differ from the figures provided as they are an average across the whole region.
“Each area within the region has a different set of inputs on which your rates are calculated. What this means is that your rates bill is likely to differ from that of your neighbour’s and your neighbouring areas.”
GWRC rates will pay for riparian river management, planting 62,773 native trees on 25 hectares with 5km of fencing.
Rates also fund the ecological restoration of the Wairarapa Moana Wetland, with 50,000 plants entering the ground and increased pest control.
GWRC also aims to purchase longer-distance trains, but this is subject to funding.
In the next financial year, GWRC intends to increase community awareness of flood risk through improved provision of flood hazard advice and preparation of floodplain management plans. The council is also working to decarbonise the bus fleet by 2030.
Consultation on the annual plan closes on April 23.
