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Were there any differences between what the Independent Reference Group recommended the policy design features of a rates cap should be and what was outlined in his 1 December 2025 press release; if so, what were all the differences?

Answered Question 36073 (2026)
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Asked by

Mike Davidson

List MP · Green Party

Question

  • Were there any differences between what the Independent Reference Group recommended the policy design features of a rates cap should be and what was outlined in his 1 December 2025 press release; if so, what were all the differences?

Answered by

Hon Simon Watts

Member for North Shore · National Party · Minister of Local Government

Answer

Key aspects of advice from the Independent Reference Group included a range that applied to all rates, excluded water from the model, a process for operating outside of this range and a role for an independent regulator. This is consistent with the release on 1 December 2025. In making decisions and announcing the approach I also consulted with Cabinet colleagues. The model announced on 1 December 2025 incorporates both the IRG views and Cabinet deliberations.