Council to review rating policies

Wellington City Council will this year conduct a comprehensive review of its rating policies.

The review will look at how the overall rates bill is divided up – that is, how the council determines the proportion each property owner pays.

The council sets its overall budget each year as part of the Long-term Plan and Annual Plan process.

The rates-funded component of that budget is then collected from property owners. The proportion each pays depends on a range of factors, such as the property’s capital value, whether it is commercial or residential, and what services the property receives.

Wellingtonians make a critical contribution to our city through their rates, and that looking at how rates are allocated is important and timely, Mayor Tory Whanau says.

“We have important work to do and big decisions to make as we move toward a more vibrant, resilient, affordable and climate-friendly city.

“It’s a good time to look at whether our rating policies are as fair and clear as they can be,” the Mayor says.

“It’s been a long time since the council took a proper look at this [reviewing the rating system], and the make-up of our city has changed,” Councillor Rebecca Matthews, Chair of the Long-term Plan, Finance and Performance Committee, says.

“We want to work with the community to decide on a better allocation of rates that meets Wellington’s needs, now and in the future.”

Councillors have agreed that the rating policy review will focus on: its purpose is to provide resourcing and funding for arts projects in previously overlooked communities.

Transparency – Providing clear information so the rates system is understood (including the collection of Greater Wellington Regional Council rates and any levies set), and ratepayers know what they will need to pay. This includes being clear and transparent about the council’s rates remissions and postponements policies. Fairness – Considering affordability relative to matters such as income, age, and geography.

Efficient use of land – Considering how to address under-utilised land, low-density land use and land banking. For example, considering if land value is a more appropriate measure to base rates on than capital value, and/or whether a different rate should be set for vacant land.

M ori land – Considering remissions for M ori land (not just M ori freehold land), working with Mana Whenua.

Differential rates – Considering how different multipliers are applied to different categories. For example, if there is a need to separate out larger commercial premises from smaller commercial premises. Targeted rates – Considering the costs and benefits of targeted rates for specific purposes, such as climate change and development costs.

Smoothing revaluation impacts – Considering options to smooth out the impact of property revaluations, including the costs and benefits of this.

The council will be engaging with the community throughout the review process, with formal public consultation occurring in the second half of 2023.

Any changes stemming from the review would be implemented from July 2024.

The show begins as the gala committee are working hard to arrange a celebration launch of the new foundation, with a wealth of celebrities attending, and performances from some of Broadway’s biggest stars.

The script was “An absolute triumph in script writing” said Head of English and Languages, Tracey Allen. Supported by Musical Director, Richard Kleingeld, Technical Director/Producer Sarah Wilson, Stage Manager Dianne Smith with costumes by Jane Hazelton, and teams of students handling lighting, sound, backstage and front of house, the stars of the show gave exuberant performances, embodying their characters perfectly.

“Writing our own script has given us the freedom to give everyone a chance to shine and have their moment on stage. If someone’s strength is comic timing, we’ve played to that, if you play the piano we included that, if you speak French we incorporated that. Because I knew who was going to play the roles, I could write specifically for them and their strengths. My favourite part about this is it has allowed us to better showcase the wide range of unique talents our students have” says Louise.

Teacher Kaz Bartch said “It was a delightful smorgasboard of musical talent, singing, dancing and all wrapped up with wit and comedy.” Congratulations to the cast and crew for a wonderful wonderful show.