Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Councillors have finalised the Christchurch City Council's draft budget for the coming year, which will now be put out for public feedback.
The plan proposed an overall rates increase of 5.68 percent for taxpayers.
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger said the council had worked hard to keep the proposed rates increase low and below the inflation rate, with the cost of living crisis front of mind.
Key topics debated by councillors at the meeting on Tuesday included the excess water use charging system and infrastructure improvements.
The draft annual plan will go out for public consultation on 10 March 10 April, where residents can have their say on the council's proposals.
Deputy Mayor Pauline Cotter encouraged people to share their views.
"It's now for the people of Christchurch to tell us if they agree with our compromises, and hopefully they will use a city-wide view for their response," she said.
Rates will commence for the new year on 1 July.
Wellington rates
Rates in Wellington will increase by 12.3 percent from July.
The annual budget was approved by the Wellington City Council on Tuesday.
Mayor Tory Whanau said she knows things were tough for people, but the money was needed to improve infrastructure for future generations.
As as fixing leaky pipes, the council plans to address housing supply, bike bus and pedestrian access, and seismic strengthening of public buildings, Whanau said.
