Annual Plan 2026/27
Developing our plan for 2026/27
Councillors have been workshopping the Annual Plan 2026/27 which will set out our work programmes and levels of service from 1 July 2026–30 June 2027. The Annual Plan will mostly be in line with what we consulted with the community on for Year 3 of the Long-term Plan 2024-34 (LTP). This included a 7 percent average rates revenue increase. Where Council has got to so far is a 6.4 percent rates revenue increase, but they have more discussions to come before locking in that number. (You can view their workshops below).
At this stage, the changes Council are proposing to make means we won’t need to carry out formal consultation with the associated costs involved. We value the community’s feedback and encourage people to talk to their elected members at any time to ensure we understand your needs and priorities.
Council briefings/workshops
Your feedback
While the Annual Plan 2026/27 will reflect some unplanned costs, these changes do not affect agreed service levels.
Because of this, we won’t be formally consulting on this Annual Plan. However, we still value hearing from the community and welcome feedback.
To provide an opportunity for people to share their thoughts in person, we’re also holding a public forum on Monday 26 May at 1pm, in the foyer of the Council building on Rimu Road, Paraparaumu. This forum is a chance to talk directly with elected members about the Annual Plan and to share what matters most to you. You can also share your views at any time by emailing through your feedback.
Council will adopt the Annual Plan 2026/27 on 11 June 2026
The longer term
Council has also started to develop its Long-term Plan 2027-37 (LTP), which will set the direction for the district over the next decade. At the same time, central government have signalled potential changes to local government, from rates capping to amalgamating district, city and regional councils, and broader system improvements.
We’re responding and adapting as greater clarity emerges. To date, the only legislated change is the establishment of an in-house business unit to deliver our district’s stormwater, wastewater and drinking water services, which will be reflected in the LTP.
Regardless of whether rates capping is introduced, we know reducing the burden on ratepayers is a key concern for our community. The LTP will focus on what we need to do to keep any future rates increases as low as possible.
The LTP will centre on trade-offs and carefully balancing expenditure and revenue - supported by a refreshed financial strategy to ensure long-term financial sustainability. This will help ensure core infrastructure and services remain efficient and effective, but it will also mean some tough conversations. To achieve lower rates increases, we may need to consider significant changes to current levels of service, including stopping or changing some activities.
No decisions will be made without the community.
We’ll let you know how you can get involved in the development of the LTP soon.