Council met today to unanimously adopt Waitomo District Council’s Long Term Plan 2024-2034 (LTP).

The LTP is a culmination of months of planning, drafting, consultation and engagement for both staff and Elected Members.

Mayor John Robertson and Councillors thanked staff for their work in pulling together a mammoth piece of work for the district.

“Elected members have had to make some choices that are politically challenging.  Federated Farmers have welcomed the move to a differential rate on forested land, and the decision to install water meters is welcomed by some,” says John.

“Our decisions to have more of our “business units” cover their own costs is supported – Pensioner Housing, Holiday Camps, Community Halls - all this is good progress strategically.”

With the formal adoption of the LTP today, the total amount of rates required to operate Council business for Year 1 is $2,537,000 more than this year (equivalent to an average rate increase of 11.07%.) The rates increase required for Years 2 and 3 are 7.73% and 5.28% respectively.

The proposed rates increases include the additional roading damage caused by logging, and further road renewals and maintenance which adds $1.1 million to next year’s costs.

Investment in Council’s 3 waters also account for additional costs in the early years of the LTP. Increased operating costs add to the overall costs of delivering the services and infrastructure Council provides.

Council has forecasted an average rate increase of 2.7% in Years 4-10, but this may change when the LTP is reviewed and updated for 2027-2037.

John says with the LTP now signed off, the focus is now on execution and implementation.

“I know that the average rate increase of 11.07% is not out of line with other Councils – in fact we are at the lower end.  I know that inflation has driven much of the increase.   So too has the need to mitigate against severe storm events.   But this is no comfort for those homeowners and farmers who struggle with today’s cost of living.  Affordability needs to be at the front of our minds when we make rating decisions.”

The Long Term Plan 2024-2034 and Fees and Charges schedule for 2024/25 will soon be available on Council’s website.