Zero rate increases remain on track across the region from the Otago Regional Council, but most property owners will actually be paying less.

At the Draft Annual Plan (2026/7) workshop last week, councillors were given a recap from staff on the finances presented at its December meeting in Cromwell.

In what was described at the time as a “radical” change to its Annual Plan process, new chair Hilary Calvert proposed knocking the rates increases down from 14% to 0%.

She won the motion and directed the chief executive to prepare a draft annual work program and budget with 0% rates increases across the region.

Staff came back with the figures, which showed that many people will in fact find their rates going down, except for in Queenstown where they are proposed to increase 3.64% - for new public transport routes.

Cr Matt Hollyer, who represents the Dunstan ward in Queenstown, said it was unfortunate that it couldn’t be balanced out across the region.

Chief executive Richard Saunders said there will be significant differences in rates increases and decreases, depending on how the targeted rates land.

Catchment management and biosecurity are also examples of where the rates will be higher.

There is an expected increase of approximately $2.2 million in fees and charges in the 2026/27 year, with about $1.4 to $1.5 million of that coming from bus fees based on a new fare structure and change of service levels.

Councillors asked staff to be mindful of how they communicated the zero rates increases across the region, given that it will be different for everyone.

Cr Neil Gillespie questioned if they were proposing to consult or inform the community about the new changes in the draft Annual Plan.

Staff told the meeting they understood from the discussion that councillors did not want to formally consult on the Annual Plan, like they had in previous years.

Hilary suggested that perhaps it was more that they don’t need to inform the public, rather than they don’t want to.

The next council meeting will have updated financial reports from staff so they can formalise a position on the draft plan.

Staff will then complete the Annual Plan 2026-27 and present to council for adoption at its April 2026 meeting.

As in previous years, the regional council will have a rates calculator on its website that people can use for their specific properties, to see if they are paying more or less.

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