A Christchurch ratepayer has launched a petition calling for Christchurch City Council’s 7.35 percent household rates increase to be paused and put to a public referendum.

James Pawson started the Change.org petition after the council adopted its Annual Plan 2026/27, which includes a 7.35 percent rates increase for the average household, or about $5.98 extra a week.

The plan also includes $15m towards the restoration of Christ Church Cathedral, plus a further $1.8m to complete the council’s original $10m commitment.

Pawson told chrislynchmedia.com that he believed ratepayers should have been given a direct vote before the increase was approved.

“The specific action I am asking for is a pause on the decision and a proper public referendum held for all affected ratepayers to have their own say,” Pawson said.

“Currently, the decision was made without any affected ratepayers being consulted, or any vote by ratepayers.”

The petition claims the rates increase unfairly burdens Christchurch residents and argues the cathedral funding raises questions about council priorities, particularly while households are under financial pressure.

Pawson said he wanted the full 7.35 percent household rates increase paused until residents were given more information and a chance to vote.

“I would call for the full 7.35 increase again to be paused and have full information provided to ratepayers in order for us to vote,” he said.

He said he had not yet contacted Christchurch City Council directly.

Asked why he believed ratepayers should not contribute to the cathedral restoration, given its heritage and civic significance to Christchurch, Pawson said his concern was both financial and philosophical.

“Personally, I don’t believe ratepayers should contribute at the moment, given the economic climate and how much impact this increase would have,” he said.

“I loved the cathedral, but I don’t believe this is well-spent tax money, and frankly I’d prefer it to remain not fully rebuilt as it would have more impact, significance, and hold the memory of what we went through with the earthquake.”

Pawson said he did not believe Christchurch ratepayers should be responsible for funding a building not owned by the council.

“It is not owned by the council, thus ratepayers, so it’s not our responsibility to finance it. It is the Anglican Church, which of course doesn’t pay tax due to charity status anyway.”

He said his views were personal and he was not claiming to speak for every resident.

“That’s only my personal opinion and I’m not speaking for everyone, of course.

“I simply believe everyone affected should have their say on this directly.”

Christchurch City Council adopted its Annual Plan on Tuesday, confirming an average rates increase of 7.83 percent across all ratepayers.

For the average household, the increase is 7.35 percent. Business properties face an average increase of 8.56 percent, while rural properties face an average increase of 7.72 percent.

The Annual Plan allocates $15m to Canterbury Museum, $4m to the Christchurch School of Music, and $15m to Christ Church Cathedral, plus the further $1.8m cathedral contribution.

Mayor Phil Mauger said the council’s heritage building commitments were being funded from the current year’s forecast operating surplus.

“Best of all, the money we’re using for this comes from the current year’s forecast operating surplus, so we haven’t had to increase rates to cover our commitment,” Mauger said.

He said any remaining surplus would go towards repaying council debt, and if the conditions for granting money to the heritage buildings could not be met, that allocated money would also go towards debt repayment.

Mauger said the council wanted to “draw a line in the sand” on major central city heritage buildings, some of which have remained unresolved since the earthquakes.

“This council has decided to show the leadership our community expects and lock in our own contribution, conditional on other players doing their bit,” he said.

The council said the cathedral funding was conditional on other parties also contributing.

However, Pawson said his petition was about giving ratepayers a direct say before major spending decisions were locked in.

The petition calls on the council to halt the rates rise tied to the cathedral funding and consider alternative funding options, including donations and grants targeted at historical and cultural preservation.

Pawson said comments on social media were not enough to force change.

“I simply believe everyone affected should have their say on this directly,” he said.