The (LTP) sets out what the Council's activities, costs and required revenue and rates are, for the next ten years. We review our LTP every three years, and are currently developing our LTP 2021-2031

Council will consider and make its decisions about the Long Term Plan after submission hearings in April. The finalised Long Term Plan must be adopted by the end of June and will be available on the website in July.   

The Council has a set of measures that it reports to the community about delivery of services for each of its activities. These measures are included in the Long Term Plan and we report on them annually in the Annual Report. These can be found in the Supporting Information - Groups of Activities and Performance Measures. 

Yes! You can call or email councillors directly or speak to them face to face at one our engagement events. Your councillors are very keen to hear your feedback.  

Yes. Councillors have already taken notice of what the community had to say through Project Thrive and during the pre-engagement phase of developing the LTP. Key themes from this process determined the priorities in the LTP. Your feedback will help councillors make an informaed decision on the LTP.

Your submission will be included in the information given to Council for consideration. Following the submission process we will contact you by email or postal address to inform you of the outcome of the considerations by Council. 

The mix of the different services you are rated for determines the rate increase. For example, if you are connected to water your rates will be different to a rural property that isn't.

Each rate payer will get a copy of the estimated rates for next year, sent to them the week of the 1 March, which will also be available on our website.  

On average urban residents connected to three waters services will see an increase by approximately 320%, or $4500 over the next ten years. This increase is based on assumption if three waters reform does not occur and doesn't account for the impact of growth in the number of connected properties. (see table overside) 

For decades rates have been kept artificially low. This means that many of our assets including parks and playgrounds have not had sufficient investment to keep them fresh and compliant with health and safety standards.  Increases to the general rate are driven by a combination of upgrades to parks and open spaces; revamping the district plan; central government climate change commitments and waste minimisation and management; district wide stormwater management; reduced NZTA subsidies for road maintenance; and district wide animal control services. 

If you have a low income and pay the rates on your home that you live in, you could get a rebate or reduction of up to $620. You will need to complete a form which you will find on the Council website, this is sent to DIA for approval. 

Some entities or indiciduals (for example schools and community groups) may be entitled to reduced rates. This acknowledges the special circumstances of particular ratepayers and provides targeted financial relief to community organisations. Further information can be found on the policies section of our website.