What are Annual and Long-term Plans?
Council uses two key planning documents to guide decision-making and investment across the district.
Long-term Plans
Our Long-term Plan (LTP) sets Council's direction for the next 10 years. It outlines:
- the services and activities we'll provide
- major projects and infrastructure investment
- community outcomes and priorities
- how services and projects will be funded
- the financial impact on rates, fees and charges.
Long-term Plans are reviewed every three years and are informed by community consultation.
Annual Plans
Our Annual Plans sets Council's budget and priorities for the coming financial year.
Annual Plans may propose changes to what was forecast in the Long-term Plan to reflect new priorities, costs, opportunities or challenges. Depending on the significance of proposed changes, Council may consult with the community before adopting the plan.
How the planning cycle works
Every three years, Council prepares a Long-term Plan that sets out the services, projects and investment planned for the next decade.
The first year of the Long-term Plan includes Council's detailed budget and work programme, so an Annual Plan is not required for that year.
Annual Plans are then prepared for years two and three. They update the budget and any changes to planned activities, services or projects for the coming financial year.
When significant changes are proposed, Council may consult with the community as part of the Annual Plan process. If there are no significant changes from what was set out in the Long-term Plan, formal consultation may not be required.
After three years, a new Long-term Plan is developed and the cycle begins again.
Current planning documents
Annual reports and performance reports
We regularly report on our performance, financial management and progress against the commitments made in our plans.
Annual reports
Annual Reports provide a comprehensive review of Council's performance, achievements and finances for each financial year.
Performance reports
Performance Reports provide updates on Council's progress against the activities, services and outcomes set out in our planning documents. We publish performance reports during the year and an audited Annual Report at the end of each financial year.
Previous plans
Previous plans remain available for reference and historical research.
Use our document search to browse:
- previous Annual Plans
- previous Long-term Plans
- consultation material
- supporting planning documents.
How does the District Plan fit in?
The District Plan is separate from the Annual Plan and Long-term Plan, although people often confuse them.
The Long-term Plan and Annual Plans set out Council's services, projects, budgets and priorities. The District Plan focuses on how land can be used and developed across the district and the environmental outcomes we want to achieve.
The District Plan includes rules and policies for activities such as housing, subdivision, business development and protection of the natural environment. It is reviewed periodically in accordance with legislative requirements.