Investment for the year ahead has been set with the adoption of Wellington City Council’s 2025/26 Annual Plan and an amendment to the 2024-34 Long-term Plan.

The Council has officially approved and accepted the plan and amendment, which was put out for public consultation between March and April.

The 2025/26 Annual Plan and associated budget includes an average rates increase of 12 percent, including 1.4 percent for the sludge levy. In total, the Council proposes to collect $628 million in rates during the 2025/26 year to fund services across the city.

The 2024-34 Long-term Plan amendment sought an alternative approach to addressing the key financial risks of underinsurance and lack of investment diversification. To manage the risks, the Council is increasing its borrowing capacity by reducing capital spending and creating a disaster resilience fund for use in emergency situations by selling some ground leases.

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