The engagement provides an opportunity to residents to have their say on:

• 3 Waters Reform – Local Water Done Well
• Transport funding
• Outside factors driving cost increases
• Rating Policy changes
• Development contributions

Mayor Dan Gordon said the plan balances affordability while ensuring Waimakariri remains an attractive place for residents and businesses.

“It is important to the Council that the Draft Annual Plan stayed as close to what we signalled in the Long Term Plan as possible. The aim was to focus on cost-efficiency, value for money, and core services. We’re pleased to say that we’ve managed to achieve this.

“This direction is nothing new for Waimakariri, but reiterating the point shows alignment with the direction from the central government to focus on good quality local infrastructure, core services, and responsible rates increases.

The increase this year is simply due to additional costs shifted to the Council from central government as well as inflation:

• An additional $360,000 is needed from ratepayers to cover new Commerce Commission and Taumata Arowai levies. This added 0.4% which has been absorbed.
• A reduction in road co-funding from NZ Transport Agency of $13.5m
• Local Government inflation continues to run higher than CPI. The Local Government Cost Index (LGCI) is 3.4% compared to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) which is now 2.2%. Insurance premiums have also increased substantially
• Council continues to pay loans to cover Earthquake Recovery and MainPower Stadium.

“The Draft Annual Plan provides information on these topics but importantly also details options available to the Council regarding Three Waters reform. We have a deadline of September to submit a plan to central government that discusses how we will meet future standards and regulation.

“Independent advice has confirmed what we already knew - that water infrastructure in Waimakariri is in great shape. We are writing to all residents explaining Council’s preferred position of establishing an internal business unit to manage 3 Waters going forward. This is essentially the same as we have now but meets the Government’s new legislative requirements.

“This is good news for ratepayers as it means that, if our plan is approved by Government, local ownership and say over water will continue.”

“We are committed to delivering on what we said we would through the LTP and are continually exploring opportunities to achieve greater value for money while providing the services that our community want.

The Draft Annual Plan remains open for submissions until 21 April. Visit Waimakariri.govt.nz/letstalk to make a submission.

“The Council and I welcome your feedback and submissions.”