Enhanced Annual Plan 2024/25

Consultation has concluded


The Draft Enhanced Annual Plan 2024/25 is a one-year plan and part of the Council's longer-term planning process. Between 12 April and 20 May 2024, Council consulted with the community on the Draft Enhanced Annual Plan.

What was the outcome of the consultation?

Council received 623 submissions on the Draft Enhanced Annual Plan 2024/25. 80 people chose to speak to their submissions during the three days of hearings scheduled in June. A local group significantly increased the submission numbers by collecting and dropping off 396 submissions. Councillors listened to all speakers and reviewed the submissions to understand people’s concerns, suggestions and feedback.

The two key issues for the consultation were how Council would respond if Waka Kotahi—New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) does not continue to provide the current level of funding and how Council will rate for drinking and wastewater in the future.

Consultation issue one - Roading

  • 174 submitters answered the consultation question regarding funding for roading. 55% of the submitters indicated they would favour reducing the programme to match the NZTA-approved level of funding. 9% preferred that Council continue with the programme already submitted, and for rates to fund any difference required for local roads, committing to higher rates for the next two rating years. The option to keep Council’s level of funding as contained in the draft plan but reduce the overall programme to reflect Waka Kotahi’s level of investment was chosen by 36% of submitters.

Consultation issue two - Water rates

  • 188 submitters indicated their preference regarding the proposed changes to how council rates for drinking water. 70% opted to keep the policy on how water and wastewater targeted rates are charged the same. 30% preferred Council adopting a revised policy on how water and wastewater targeted rates are charged.

Rates increase

  • A key theme from the submissions was the affordability of rates.

What was the final decision?

The 2024-2025 Enhanced Annual Plan was adopted by Council on 26 June 2024. The Enhanced Annual Plan came into effect on 1 July 2024.

  • Council decided to reduce the programme to match the NZTA-approved level of funding.
  • Council decided to continue levying rates for water and wastewater services from 1 July 2024 on the same basis as currently implemented. Additionally, the proposed rating system for water and wastewater services will be reviewed.
  • Council reduced the proposed total rates increase from 19.7% to approximately 14.6%.


The Draft Enhanced Annual Plan 2024/25 is a one-year plan and part of the Council's longer-term planning process. Between 12 April and 20 May 2024, Council consulted with the community on the Draft Enhanced Annual Plan.

What was the outcome of the consultation?

Council received 623 submissions on the Draft Enhanced Annual Plan 2024/25. 80 people chose to speak to their submissions during the three days of hearings scheduled in June. A local group significantly increased the submission numbers by collecting and dropping off 396 submissions. Councillors listened to all speakers and reviewed the submissions to understand people’s concerns, suggestions and feedback.

The two key issues for the consultation were how Council would respond if Waka Kotahi—New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) does not continue to provide the current level of funding and how Council will rate for drinking and wastewater in the future.

Consultation issue one - Roading

  • 174 submitters answered the consultation question regarding funding for roading. 55% of the submitters indicated they would favour reducing the programme to match the NZTA-approved level of funding. 9% preferred that Council continue with the programme already submitted, and for rates to fund any difference required for local roads, committing to higher rates for the next two rating years. The option to keep Council’s level of funding as contained in the draft plan but reduce the overall programme to reflect Waka Kotahi’s level of investment was chosen by 36% of submitters.

Consultation issue two - Water rates

  • 188 submitters indicated their preference regarding the proposed changes to how council rates for drinking water. 70% opted to keep the policy on how water and wastewater targeted rates are charged the same. 30% preferred Council adopting a revised policy on how water and wastewater targeted rates are charged.

Rates increase

  • A key theme from the submissions was the affordability of rates.

What was the final decision?

The 2024-2025 Enhanced Annual Plan was adopted by Council on 26 June 2024. The Enhanced Annual Plan came into effect on 1 July 2024.

  • Council decided to reduce the programme to match the NZTA-approved level of funding.
  • Council decided to continue levying rates for water and wastewater services from 1 July 2024 on the same basis as currently implemented. Additionally, the proposed rating system for water and wastewater services will be reviewed.
  • Council reduced the proposed total rates increase from 19.7% to approximately 14.6%.
Consultation has concluded