LGNZ welcomes Labour’s SolarSaver election policy

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) has welcomed the Labour Party’s SolarSaver fund announcement today.  

The SolarSaver fund is based on the Ratepayer Assistance Scheme (RAS), a local government-led, low-cost loan model. It has been developed by LGNZ and key partners such as the Local Government Funding Agency (LGFA) and Rewiring Aotearoa, with Cameron Partners acting as lead advisor. A number of councils have also supported the development of the scheme. 

“We have heard time and time again that New Zealanders are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of powering their homes”, LGNZ Chief Executive Scott Necklen says. 

“We all have a role to play in making household costs more affordable, and the RAS is one of the most effective ways to do that.

“The announcement today shows the potential for central and local government to work together constructively to tackle the challenges facing Kiwis. 

“The RAS also has the potential to help ratepayers manage upfront council charges like rates and development contributions/levies by converting them into affordable payments over a longer period of time.” 

Necklen said LGNZ has been working to secure broad political support for the RAS, which has broad support across the local government sector.