Wellington is facing a double digit rates rise, as the city council looks to spend more on water

The region is in level two water restrictions - as Wellington city loses more than 40 percent of its supply from leaky pipes.

The council wants to split the plan to pedestrianise central city streets - into two - prioritising Courtenay Place over Lambton Quay - to save money to go towards fixing pipes.

Chief Financial Officer Andrea Reeves notes the original rate increase was set down for more than the 15.4 percent it is now

It's also investigating whether the Lambton Quay part of the Golden Mile should be deferred - which would save the Council 16-million dollars over three years.