Invercargill motorists face higher parking costs under proposed fee increases being considered by the city council.
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The council has opened public consultation on its 2026/2027 Fees and Charges schedule, which includes a 15 percent increase to on-street hourly parking fees and standardised off-street parking rates that would see most fees rise by approximately 30 percent.
Under the proposals, on-street parking would increase from $2.80 to $3.30 per hour, while off-street parking would rise to $2.60 per hour.
Invercargill City Council Infrastructure and Growth Committee Chair, Councillor Alex Crackett, said the community was encouraged to provide feedback on the changes.
"The cost of maintaining parking infrastructure has increased, and pricing needs to reflect the real cost of providing parking services within our community," she said.
"We're aiming for a pricing system that is financially sustainable, without placing additional pressure on general rates.
"We all want to find the right balance between supply and demand, so that people can access the businesses and retailers that keep our community thriving. It's up to our community to take a look at the changes we've proposed, and let us know if they think we've got that balance right."
Council Group Manager Finance and Assurance Patricia Christie said on-street parking revenue at 31 December, 2025 was ahead of the previous financial year, while off-street parking revenue was currently in line with 2025/2026, indicating a five percent drop in demand for off-street parking.
The council has proposed keeping monthly and daily off-street parking charges unchanged from the previous financial year. The daily 30-minute free parking limit would also remain the same.
Parking fees aren't the only charges set to increase. Other proposed rises for 2026/2027 include a 10 percent increase for Splash Palace visits and bus fares rising between 10 and 14 percent.
Parks and Recreation fees would increase by 10 to 15 percent, while library meeting room hire for commercial and private events faces a 15 percent rise. Solid waste fees are proposed to increase between 10 and 18 percent.
Two new fees for the Bluff Boat Ramp are also being introduced - an annual commercial permit fee and a club use discount.
The council reviews its fees and charges annually, with the majority of 2026/2027 fees proposed to increase by between 5 and 15 percent to reflect rising service delivery costs, including inflation and corporate overheads.
Submissions can be made in person at Splash Palace, Invercargill Public Library, the Bluff Service Centre, and the Civic Building. Online submissions are available at letstalk.icc.govt.nz.
The council is scheduled to adopt its 2026/2027 Fees and Charges schedule in June.