Published: 30 June 2026
Transport improvements, major infrastructure, investing in resilience and maintaining community facilities remain a priority in Hutt City Council’s 2026–27 Annual Plan.
The Plan, which comes into effect on 1 July 2026, outlines where Council will invest money and what work will happen across Lower Hutt over the next year.
It sees continued investment in key infrastructure projects, including Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi (RiverLink), while maintaining essential services.
Mayor Ken Laban said the Annual Plan responds to strong community feedback.
“We know households are under pressure from the rising cost of living, and our community has been clear that rates increases need to be carefully managed.
“This plan strikes a balance between keeping rates increases more affordable while backing major projects and ensuring things we all rely on like libraries, pools, parks and rubbish services run reliably.”
The rates increase for the average household will equate to around $4.13 per week. The overall rates revenue increase (after growth) is 8.8%, which is lower than what was signalled in last year’s Annual Plan.
The Annual Plan also marks a major milestone for water services in the Wellington region. From 1 July, water services charges will be removed from Hutt City Council rates bills. Instead, property owners will receive a separate water bill directly from Tiaki Wai, with the first bill arriving in August around the same time as the rates bills.
The Hutt City Council rates increase together with the Tiaki Wai water charges for an average residential property value of $735,000 is $8.23 a week.
Calculators with estimated property rates and water charges for 2026-27 can be found here .
Hutt City Council’s Target Operating Model, Adjusting our Sails, will help guide future community discussions on affordability as Council begins work later this year on its Long-Term Plan 2027-2037.
Notes to editor
About Tiaki Wai
Tiaki Wai is a new council-owned water services organisation established by Hutt City Council, Wellington City Council, Upper Hutt City Council, Porirua City Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council in response to the Government’s Local Water Done Well reforms.
From 1 July 2026, the organisation will own and manage drinking water, wastewater and stormwater assets and services across metropolitan Wellington.