Forestry sector calls for rates cap after bill increases 570%

Forestry sector calls for rates cap after bill increases 570%

Friday 13 Feb 2026

The forestry sector is calling for a cap on rates increases after one forestry blocks rates bill went up 570 percent in a year. The 1100-hectare block near Wairoa managed by agri-advisory firm Lewis Tucker was originally farmland but was bought in 2019 and planted in pines in 2020.

Lewis Tucker said in July last year the Wairoa District Council lifted the annual rates bill from $30,000 a year to $200,000. The company has submitted on the government's proposal to simplify local government.

In its submission, it said while it broadly supported the intent to simplify local government it urged limits on differential rates were critical for business confidence. Executive director Colin Jacobs said the 570 percent rates increase on that one forestry block amounts to $5 million over the lifetime of the forest.

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Source: RNZ

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