The LTP balances affordability for residents while delivering on the services and infrastructure that makes Waimakariri a great place to live – for residents now and in the future.

Over 330 residents submitted on the draft plan and Council considered submissions during deliberations in May.

Mayor Dan Gordon says affordability for ratepayers during a cost-of-living crisis was at the front of all Councillors thinking.

“The first cut of the Draft LTP proposed an initial increase of 19%. Like many businesses and households, the council has been experiencing significant inflationary movements - specifically in construction costs, labour market increases, and revaluation of community assets, with some costs moving as much as 150% over the last few years.

“The Council has revised its non-essential works by going through budget items line-by-line. As a result we have deferred $120m of non-essential works to outer years such as the extension of the Library and the Eastern Link Road to bring the rates increase down further..

“Where we have landed is with an increase of 9.39% which is just 0.45% higher than planned due to a big unforeseen increase in insurance costs. Having lived through the earthquakes, we know the value of having your insurance cover right, as do our residents, and this isn’t something we were prepared to take an unnecessary risk on.”

At 9.39%, Waimakariri’s rates increase is one of the lowest in the country and the lowest in the greater Christchurch area. The Local Government average rate increase this coming year is 16%.

“Like households, we’re finding the high inflation environment challenging and the Council has worked exceptionally hard to keep rates as affordable as possible. With our forward projections we are looking to move into lower increases around 4% in the coming years.”

Major issues the Council sought feedback on in the Long Term Plan included:

(1)  Funding flood resilience and improvements

Climate change exposes our District more severe weather and Waimakariri is particularly prone to flooding. As a result, the Council is establishing an Infrastructure Resilience Team as well as a Flood Recovery and Resilience Fund so when a problem arises with stormwater management we have money put aside to address this.

(2) Plans for Rangiora Eastern Link road and Skew Bridge

This community is keen to see the Rangiora Eastern Link road built. The Council will now lobby NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to commit its share of the project. This, along with a replacement of Skew Bridge in West Kaiapoi, are our main priorities when advocating for funding from NZTA. These projects, if they receive co-funding from NZTA, would take place in the outer years of the LTP and help solve traffic congestion significantly.

We are also pleased central Government has committed to the Woodend Bypass – this is long overdue and essential as our community in Woodend, Ravenswood and Pegasus grow. The Council will also be strongly advocating for walking and cycling to be included with the Bypass.

(3) Building the right community facilities at the right time

Our community is growing rapidly and will have 30,000 new residents by 2050 with an estimated population of 100,000. The Council must plan for this future growth – this includes looking at how and when we build community, sporting, and aquatic facilities – so there are always plenty of places for leisure and recreation that enhance community wellbeing.

(4) An extension to the Trevor Inch Memorial Rangiora Library

The community supported the extension of the current library in the outer years of the LTP. This is a great way of ensuring this key community facility continues to meet the needs of our community without over committing financially. We also want to investigate the possibility of including the museum in any future development. This outcome illustrates the balance the Council has been trying to make through this LTP.

(5) Plans to prioritise the natural environment

The Natural Environment Strategy was supported. This exciting strategy will result in more natural places to play, improved biological awareness, the development of more reserves, and a lot of planting. It will prioritise nature, connect people with the environment, improve knowledge about our biodiversity, and sustain and create resilient ecosystems.

Mayor Gordon says feedback through the submission process indicated that the Council is on the right track.

“Our residents told us they were happy with our proposed approach to funding growth while being conscious of affordability during a period of high inflation. We’re continuing to look for ways to operate more efficiently and will consider all options going forward including things like selling surplus property.

“Waimakariri has a growing population, and residents want the District to retain the amenities and services it currently has, and for the Council to improve and build on these at the right time.

“We have taken economic conditions facing both the Council and households into account. That said, while we’ve taken a lot off the table to keep rate increases affordable, we’re still spending around $693m over the next ten years on replacing assets, increasing levels of services, and catering for growth.

“Getting the balancing act right is always difficult and we believe we have the balance right for these difficult times.”