Rural parts of Kaikōura face four-figure rates increases. Photo: RNZ / Samantha Gee
Canterbury Regional Council is proposing hiking rates by more than 24 percent in the coming year.
The council on Friday unveiled its proposed long-term plan - its budget for the next decade.
Improved flood protection infrastructure, future-proofing public transport and better pest management drove much of the proposed work in the long-term plan, the council said.
In real terms it meant rate changes might be negligible in areas like urban Leeston, to potentially four-figure annual hikes for rural parts of Kaikōura, Dunsandel, Waimate and Waitaki.
Council chairperson Peter Scott said the proposals were not set in stone and were subject to public feedback.
"We've tried to find as many savings as possible, but as I've previously signalled a significant rates hike is likely as we try to balance rising costs and inflation with the community's - and government's - growing expectations.
"We've got a lot of challenges ahead of us, including around flood protection and meeting our public transport needs. We'll continue to push for central government to come to the party, but funding will be tight. We're walking a tightrope, just like you do with your household budget, and I hope you'll see that reflected in the packages put forward."
The council was proposing spending $4.2 billion over the coming decade, with $346 million of spending in just the first year.
Councillors would discuss the proposed long-term plan at a meeting next Wednesday.
The agenda can be found here.