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S&P raises concerns about rates caps for New Zealand councils

It says councils are likely to have to defer or cancel spending on infrastructure.

Water entities are likely to be rated lower by S&P because they will be more highly leveraged than councils.

Brent Edwards Thu, 02 Apr 2026
© All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.

International ratings agency S&P believes rates capping will inhibit the ability of New Zealand’s highly indebted councils to raise revenue, but it is not about to downgrade their ratings any time soon.

S&P director of sovereign and international public finance ratings Anthony Walker told a

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Brent Edwards Thu, 02 Apr 2026
Contact the Writer: brent@nbr.co.nz
News tip? Question? Typo? Let us know: editor@nbr.co.nz
© All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.

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S&P raises concerns about rates caps for New Zealand councils
Infrastructure,
113566
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