ORC General Manager Science and Resilience, Tom Dyer, says “changes are being proposed to better reflect who benefits – the changes would mean the amount properties pay for rates will depend on the level of benefit they get from the scheme.

“The changes aim to share the costs more fairly and transparently across the properties that benefit from the schemes. Depending on location and the benefits received, targeted rates would change, and some could be added or removed from scheme boundaries.“

Generally urban properties would see an increase in cost which better reflects the benefits they receive, while many rural properties would see a decrease.

Under proposed changes, flood and drainage rates would be separated and would be charged to better reflect the benefit that each property receives. That would see the flood protection rate each property pays based on the level of flood protection benefit it receives, while drainage rates would be based on the size of property, land use, and how that land use affects the drainage network.

The proposal follows concerns raised from some parts of the schemes about the fairness of targeted rate collection for drainage and flood protection.

Examples of how the proposed changes would impact rates

*Likelihood of flood/level of protection. Learn more at orc.govt.nz/schemerates

An interactive map showing the current and proposed boundaries and a rates estimator are online so people can see how this proposal would affect their property.

People can submit on the proposed changes until 11.59pm on Friday, 11 September 2026. Councillors will consider submissions before making a decision and any changes to rates would not happen until 2027.

Find out more and make a submission at: orc.govt.nz/schemerates.

Community drop-in sessions

ORC staff will be available to answer questions and explain the proposal at community drop-in sessions.