Christchurch residents face higher-than-expected rates increases to pay for major projects, with the council planning to invest $480 million in the city during the next financial year.
Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel said the new plan allowed the city to prioritise more urgent repairs and rebuilds Photo: RNZ / Conan Young
The city council released its draft budget today, which shows a rates increase of 5.5 percent, along with lower spending.
Mayor Lianne Dalziel said the council reviewed its priorities and adjusted the funding for some major projects.
"That doesn't mean we're doing any less, or that there will be delays to essential projects - it simply means some spending on long-term projects will happen in future years", said Ms Dalziel.
She said it would allow the city to prioritise more urgent repairs and rebuilds.
"It's vital we strike the best balance between affordability for ratepayers and the timely delivery of the city's projects - and I think we have achieved that," said Ms Dalziel.
The $480m investment was significantly less than the proposed spend in the council's long-term plan, as payments for some major projects have been pushed back.
"In some cases funding for major projects have been adjusted," said Ms Dalziel.
Some of these projects included the $24.9m Sumner-Lyttelton Road Corridor rebuild programme and the $18.5m Metro Sports Facility.
The plan also featured price hikes for a variety of council services, including hiring out some community halls and event venues.
Public consultation will be open until the end of April.
The draft annual plan will be discussed at a council meeting next week, with the final plan adopted in June.
