Kia ora Waimakariri
This Draft Annual Plan looks at the budget and work programme for the third and final year of the Long Term Plan (LTP).
It takes place shortly after local government elections, and the new Council has been discussing our vision for the District, priorities, projects, and how these will positively impact our community this coming year.
Economically we are in a starkly different position to last year. The higher inflation environment seems to be behind us, and a more stable economic environment is here.
We recognise that things remain tight across the whole economy––especially at the householdContinue reading
Kia ora Waimakariri
This Draft Annual Plan looks at the budget and work programme for the third and final year of the Long Term Plan (LTP).
It takes place shortly after local government elections, and the new Council has been discussing our vision for the District, priorities, projects, and how these will positively impact our community this coming year.
Economically we are in a starkly different position to last year. The higher inflation environment seems to be behind us, and a more stable economic environment is here.
We recognise that things remain tight across the whole economy––especially at the household level. As a council we are doing our bit to tighten our belts when considering the budget for the coming year.
We have instructed staff to demonstrate fiscal discipline and carefully examine the programme of work so that only essential projects are progressed.
Waimakariri District Council is proud to have consistently had one of the lowest rate increases across the country over the last five years. This year is no different.
In fact, we have managed to set rates lower than was forecasted, with a 4.91% movement for an average property. What this looks like practically is an additional $8 per fortnight for an average home.
Looking across the sector there is a wave of reform coming local governments way (including rates capping, the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Amendment Bill, resource management reform, changes to emergency management, and more) which we will have to respond to.
Sadly, the past changes imposed by central government have resulted in additional responsibilities landing on councils without any increases in funding. This means ratepayers pick up the cost.
We will be strongly advocating on behalf of our ratepayers in our submissions on these topics, to highlight the need for appropriate central government funding to come with any new mandates.
It is important to the Council as we looked at budgets for the Draft Annual Plan that we stick to our programme and stay as close to what we signalled in the LTP as possible.
Our aim as ever is to focus on good quality local infrastructure, core services, and responsible rates increases.
Our Council is proud to provide exceptional services for the community and do so while regularly having one of the lowest rate increases in the country.
It’s important that we enable growth and development but balance this with affordable rates through prudent and responsible budgeting. Council’s financials are audited annually by Audit New Zealand and credit rating agency Fitch Ratings have confirmed the Council holds a strong AA Rating with a Stable Outlook. For context, this rating is on par with ANZ and BNZ banks.
As we move into the final year of our LTP our plan is in place, but we are still keen to get your thoughts on how we respond to central governments reforms, establishing our stand-alone in house water services unit, changes to our wider capital programme, as well as progress and a revised costing for the Rangiora Eastern Link.
We look forward to hearing from you. Please share your thoughts with us before 20 April.
Ngā mihi
Dan Gordon
Mayor
Jeff Millward
Chief Executive
