Card rates for Christchurch residents will rise by 9.76% next year.

Overall average rates in Christchurch are forecast to rise by 9.76 per cent next year.

At Christchurch City Council’s latest briefing on the 2025/26 annual plan, councilors were given a financial overview of the council, as well as an overview of what is proposed for transport, parks and three water projects.

The long-term plan for 2024-2034 envisages an increase of 8.48 percent for 2025/26.

But chief financial officer Bede Curran told councilors on Tuesday: “We expect an overall increase in average rates of 9.76%.

“If we make no changes to what was agreed in last year’s long-term plan, and taking into account the rate of inflation projected by Business and Economic Research, we would see an overall increase in average rates of 9.76%,” Curran said.

“This is our starting position. At these briefings we discuss how best to reduce this figure and do everything possible to reduce it – and we will continue in this spirit until the final annual plan is adopted in June next year. .

“Staff are proposing changes to our capital expenditures to keep them achievable to keep rates as low as possible. Proposed capital expenditure for 2025/26 is currently $737.2 million, $4.9 million below budget.

“Council management is reviewing our operating costs this week and staff continue to consider options to mitigate all rate increases.

“All these figures are only preliminary at this stage and it is an ongoing process. People will be able to follow all this through our public briefings and they will be able to fully assess the situation in March next year when our draft annual plan goes out to consultation.”

Projects discussed at today’s briefing include the installation of bus lanes on Lincoln Road, road improvements in Bromley and alternatives to the major Wheels to Wings – Papanui ki Waiuhetu cycle route.

Today’s briefing can be found here. The next briefing is scheduled for Tuesday 29 October and will focus on the council’s finances and transport.