Have Your Say on the Future of Rating in the Gore District

Have Your Say on the Future of Rating in the Gore District

Gore District residents, businesses and property owners are being invited to help shape the future of how rates are shared across the district, with consultation on the Gore District Rating Review opening today, Wednesday 21 October 2026.

The review is not about increasing the total amount of rates Council collects. Instead, it focuses on ensuring rates are distributed fairly and transparently between different property types, including residential, rural, commercial, industrial and utility properties.

The consultation seeks feedback on the options for how rates could be shared in the future, helping Council develop a rating system that is fair, easy to understand and fit for the changing needs of the district.

Gore District Mayor Ben Bell said it was important the rating system reflected how the district had evolved over time.

"Our rating system has not undergone a comprehensive review for many years. Since then, property values, land use and community expectations have changed significantly," he said.

"We want to make sure the way rates are shared across the district remains fair, understandable and sustainable for the future."

The review comes as local government funding arrangements continue to evolve, including the planned transfer of Council's three waters activities to the jointly owned water organisation, Southern Water from 1 July 2027. This change means water rates will be removed from Council's rating structure, requiring adjustments to ensure the remaining system remains balanced and complies with legislation.

Chief Executive Debbie Lascelles said the review was an opportunity to simplify a system that had become increasingly complex over time.

"The way rates are currently structured has evolved over many years and can be difficult to understand. This review looks at the entire rating system rather than individual parts, with the aim of creating an approach that is simpler, more transparent and easier for people to understand."

The options being considered include:

• Moving a greater share of rates funding into the General Rate.
• Using a property's Capital Value and land use to determine its share of the General Rate.
• Adjusting the Uniform Annual General Charge (UAGC).
• Changing rating differentials to alter how much different property categories contribute towards the General Rate.

Council encourages people to review the consultation material before making a submission. This includes the Statement of Proposal, frequently asked questions and an interactive online rates dashboard.

Submissions close at 5pm on Wednesday 18 November.

To learn more and have your say, visit the Let's Talk website Rates Review 2026 and search "Rating Review". Your feedback will help shape the future of rating in the Gore District.

ENDS

Media Contact:
Communications Team
Gore District Council
[email protected]