Higher rates may well be the trade off for key infrastructure

Infometrics research commissioned by Local Government New Zealand shows just how great cost pressures are for 48 councils.

It's found households are facing rates rises of 15 percent, averaging about eight dollars a week per household.

Infometrics Senior Economist Brad Olsen says many councils have taken on too much debt, and that has to be repaid somehow.

He says if New Zealand wants the high quality infrastructure that we deserve and people are demanding, we will have to pay for it.