What it costs

In 2017/18, it will cost around $6 per day, per resident to deliver these Council services.

Infographic showing what it costs to run the city.

Our services include managing and maintaining facilities like libraries, swimming pools, sportsfields, community centres and parks, as well as keeping our roads and footpaths at a high standard, making sure we all have safe water to drink, and supporting arts, cultural and sporting events.

Area of expenditure

 Cost ($)

Environment
Including water and sewerage services, rubbish and recycling, parks and walkways

 2.20

Social and recreation
Including recreation facilities, libraries, social housing

 1.51

Transport
Including roads, footpaths, cycle facilities

 0.90

Economic development
Including venues, tourism promotion, free weekend parking

 0.51

Urban development
Including Wellington Waterfront, town planning, heritage

 0.39

Cultural wellbeing
Including galleries and museums, community events, City Archives

 0.27

Governance
Including decisions, consultations, elections

 0.22

How spending is funded

About 65 percent of our operational expenditure is funded from a combination of general rates (paid on all rateable properties) and targeted rates. The remainder is funded from user charges, ground and commercial lease income, dividends and other revenue such as grants and government subsidies.

We fund capital expenditure from depreciation, borrowings, government subsidies, grants and development contributions. For asset renewals, the main funding source is depreciation.

For new assets and upgrades, the main funding sources are borrowings, subsidies and grants.