A city councillor says more can be done to stop Wellington's rates rising further.

Draft council budget figures predict 15.9 percent rises for the 2025-26 financial year - with a portion for wastewater treatment included, dubbed the sludge levy.

Councillor Tony Randle says there's still time to make cuts, or ratepayers will feel the pain.

"This is just bad news for a council, really, that says it's trying to make hard decisions - but it hasn't made hard decisions."

Mayor Tory Whanau is promising staff are aiming to reduce the increase.

LISTEN ABOVE

A city councillor says more can be done to stop Wellington's rates rising further.
Draft council budget figures predict 15.9 percent rises for the 2025-26 financial year - with a portion for wastewater treatment included, dubbed the sludge levy.
Councillor Tony Randle says there's still time to make cuts, or ratepayers will feel the pain.
"This is just bad news for a council, really, that says it's trying to make hard decisions - but it hasn't made hard decisions."
Mayor Tory Whanau is promising staff are aiming to reduce the increase.
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Tony Randle: Wellington City Councillor on the possibility of rates going up by 15.9 percent

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/8730f8f5-66ba-4a14-82ef-b2440052217f/transcript