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Wednesday, 15 July 2026 14:25

Common sense

Written by  Milking It

OPINION: City and regional councils have been put on notice - stop using extreme climate forecasting scenarios that can drive unnecessary costs onto ratepayers.

Climate Minister, Simon Watts has written to mayors and councillors across New Zealand outlining his concerns.

Councils shouldn’t default to worst-case assumptions that can unnecessarily increase rates and delay investment.

Watts has directed officials to take stock of how these scenarios are being used and provide advice on whether stronger national direction or legislative change is needed to restore consistency and common sense.

This will be welcomed by the rural community who are being slapped with increasing rates by their regional councils, some under the guise of climate change.

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