National·Party policy·Announced 2026 (proposed legislation; in 100-day plan)

Cap council rates increases at 2 to 4 percent a year

What it actually does

Council rates rises would be held within a target range of 2 to 4 percent a year, enforced by an independent regulator, with time-limited exemptions for events such as natural disasters. Water services are excluded. Councils would consider the range from July 2027 and the cap takes full effect from July 2029. Passing it is in National's 100-day plan.

Source: national.org.nz · 2026-08

The Trump take

“Property taxes capped. Beautiful. I own a lot of property, believe me. A regulator to stop the councils? Rare case where I love a regulator.”parody

Why it scored this way

  • Taxes

    Caps the growth of local property taxes

    +2

    Loves it

  • Big government

    Limits how much local government can grow its spending

    +1

    Likes it

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