Porirua City Council collected more than $2 million in parking revenue last financial year, but almost 90 per cent was swallowed up by costs, leaving just $210,000.
Figures presented to councillors on 8 October show paid parking generated $2.088 million in the year to June 2026.
Of that, $1.358 million went towards operating the council’s parking team, while another $520,000 was attributed to other costs and charges.
That left just 10 cents from every dollar collected.
The figures come as the council prepares a new citywide parking policy that could change how parking is managed across Porirua.
The council’s financial presentation does not explain how much of the revenue came from parking fees, infringement fines or other sources.
It also provides no detailed breakdown of the $1.358 million spent operating the parking team.
The figures follow a decision by councillors in June 2025 to reject a proposed 50-cent increase in hourly parking charges, which was expected to raise an additional $250,000 a year.
Meanwhile, a parking study prepared for the council by consultants Tonkin & Taylor shows stark differences in demand across the city.
In Norrie Street, paid parking spaces were between 94 and 100 per cent occupied during peak survey periods.
At Cobham Court, peak occupancy was just 34 to 58 per cent.
At Lydney Place, free time-restricted spaces were completely occupied, while paid spaces reached only 45 to 59 per cent occupancy.
Parking pressure was also recorded at sporting facilities, including Ascot Park and Ngāti Toa Domain, where observed vehicle activity exceeded formal parking capacity.
Around 360 parking offences were ticketed near schools between January 2025 and May 2026, including vehicles parked on footpaths, grass berms and broken yellow lines.
The council is now developing a parking policy covering the city centre, schools, sports grounds, events and residential areas.
Councillors are scheduled to consider a draft policy and proposed public consultation process on 19 November.