Welcome to Christchurch City Council’s plan and budget for 2025/26.

Christchurch is experiencing significant growth and transformation – and Christchurch City Council is playing an important role in shaping this progress. From the water you drink everyday to the dog park down the road, the Council plays a central role in the daily life of the city. I’m proud of the work we do each day to support our community.

Thanks to careful planning and some difficult decisions over the past few years, Christchurch has become one of the most desirable places to live, work and visit. The city has gained recognition as the “capital of cool” and named as one of the “world’s greatest places”. Christchurch is also the primary economic hub for the South Island. It has the most affordable housing of New Zealand's major urban centres, and a lifestyle that is highly valued by residents. We’re New Zealand’s second-largest city, and one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.

Several major projects are nearing completion and will bring lasting improvements to the city, including One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha, Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre, and The Court Theatre. These projects are part of our ongoing effort to foster growth and development.

We’ve always tried to strike a balance between meeting today’s issues head-on and keeping an eye on the future. The Long Term Plan set out our 10-year strategy, while the Annual Plan is where we fine-tune that 10-year strategy. However, making major changes could lead to a significant change in projected rates.

This year, we won’t achieve a balanced budget. This reflects the current financial pressures, particularly the rising cost of living. Rather than increasing rates immediately to fund asset renewals, we’re choosing to borrow more and spread the cost over time. While this approach helps in the short term, we must return to a balanced budget in the longer term to ensure costs are managed responsibly and fairly for future generations. We aim to do this by 2028.

Christchurch City Council has a strong history of tackling challenges and embracing change. We are committed to developing a modern city that meets the needs of its residents. To continue this progress, we value and seek your input.

The best cities are the ones that listen to their communities, and that’s exactly what we’re doing. Your feedback is vital in shaping the services, infrastructure, and planning that will ensure Christchurch remains the city we’re proud to call home.

We’re looking forward to hearing from you.

Phil Mauger
Mayor of Christchurch