Waimakariri Residents Face 4.98% Rates Rise

Saturday, 22 March 2025, 7:46 pm
Article: David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

20 March

Waimakariri council's draft annual plan has gone out for consultation, with the council proposing an average rates rise of 4.98 percent.

The council is also looking at scrapping an early payment discount on rates, which would boost council coffers by close to $200,000.

Council acting finance and business support general manager Greg Bell said staff are aware of only two other councils offering early payment discounts on rates.

The future of three waters infrastructure and roading funding dominate the Waimakariri District Council’s annual plan.

The council plans to spend $61.2m on capital projects, while council debt is predicted to increase from $200m to $232m.

Residents can give feedback on Government levies, roading funding, three waters, scrapping an early payment discount on rates, and development contributions.

Mayor Dan Gordon said the plan provides a balance between affordability and supporting a growing North Canterbury district, which includes Rangiora, Kaiapoi and Pegasus.

‘‘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.

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

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon last year told councils to ‘‘rein in the fantasies’’ and focus on core services in a bid to keep rate rises down.

Mr Gordon said new levies from the Commerce Commission and Taumata Arowai, the Government’s water regulator, added $360,000 or 0.4% to the council’s rates bill.

The council had to rejig its roading programme to address a $13.5m co-funding shortfall from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency - an issue which many councils are dealing with.

It is also continuing to pay off loans from the recovery of the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes and for MainPower Stadium.

All councils have a deadline of September to submit how they plan to manage three waters infrastructure in the future, in line with the Government’s Local Water Done Well legislation.

‘‘Independent advice has confirmed what we already knew - that water infrastructure in Waimakariri is in great shape,’’ Mr Gordon said.

The council is proposing to beef up its existing three waters business unit in line with the legislation, in preference to establishing a council controlled organisation.

Residents have until April 21 to give feedback on the draft 2025/26 annual plan, with hearings to be held in May.

Visit Waimakariri.govt.nz/letstalk to make a submission.

The council will be offering drop-in sessions around the district over the next few weeks:

Rangiora council chambers on Thursday, March 20, from 4pm to 7pm.

Woodend Community Centre on Monday, March 24, from 4pm to 7pm.

Oxford A&P Show on Saturday, March 29.

Kaiapoi Ruataniwha Civic Centre and Library on Thursday, April 3, from 4pm to 7pm.

Pegasus Community Centre on Wednesday, April 9, from 10am to 12pm.

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