Business rates to soar in Hastings - despite objections
Hastings District Council has voted to maintain its current differential rating structure, leading to significant rate increases for local commercial and industrial property owners. Despite intense lobbying from the business community, the council opted to keep the structure to avoid shifting the financial burden onto residential ratepayers.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing tension between local government fiscal requirements and the economic viability of small business districts during periods of rising costs.
<p>Hastings CBD business owners and landlords who fought against <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/05/25/hastings-businesses-blown-away-by-rates-surge/" target="_blank">major rate rises</a> say they’re “extremely disappointed” the Hastings District Council has decided to stick with its differential rating structure.</p> <p><b>By Linda Hall, Local Democracy Reporter </b></p> <p>The decision will result in some commercial and industrial properties in Hastings paying up to 50% more in rates than they did a year ago.</p> <p>Chairman of the Hastings City Business Association, Craig Riddiford, said many of their members had fought “incredibly hard” for a different outcome.</p> <p>“Hundreds of businesses engaged in the process, attending meetings, making submissions and sharing the real financial pressures they are facing,” Riddiford said.</p> <p>“To see those concerns not reflected in the final differential decision is extremely disappointing.”</p> <p>A council spokesperson said after considering public submissions and hearing from those who wished to speak, the council voted 10 to five to retain the current differential rating structure…
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