Rates cap and proposals to scrap the Climate Change Commission w/ the ACT Party’s Simon Court: 31st August, 2026

The government recently announced plans to move forward with the implementation of a rates cap, restricting councils from increasing rates at more than 4% at a time. While the legislation cannot be passed until after the election, the proposal currently has support from both major parties. The cap has been opposed by multiple people, particularly Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, who says a rates increase is necessary to fund the massive infrastructure spend involved with the City Rail Link. Without this funding, it becomes difficult for council to properly resource itself. Also this past week the ACT Party has announced a policy of intention to scrap the Climate Change Commission. The ACT Party has been opposed to the Climate Change Commission for a little while, claiming that it costs the government too much without offering substantial benefit. Supporters of the commission say it is one of the few organisations still committed to holding the government accountable for its climate strategies.  To discuss the rates cap, scrapping the Climate Change Commission, and Aotearoa’s climate policy moving forward, News Director Castor spoke to ACT MP Simon Court.