6% rates rise still on track for Waipā

Council’s Strategic Planning and Policy Committee has formally recommended an average annual rates increase of six per cent after growth for Waipā properties for the next financial year.

The rates will provide $83.8m, around 48 per cent of Council’s total revenue for the year. Other revenue comes from government subsidies, fees and charges, development contributions and vested assets.

Council’s 2021-2031 Long-Term Plan had budgeted a 3.7 per cent rates increase for the 2023/24 financial year. But a significant increase in interest rates and rising inflation forced Council to review this figure early in 2023, while ensuring the rates increase remained within limits set in Council’s Long-Term Plan.

Waipā Mayor Susan O’Regan said the decision to increase the rates was not something Council had made lightly, but was one of necessity. Council has allocated $1.5m of cash surplus from the last financial year to offset the increase and lessen the impact on ratepayers, she said.

“We have to be realistic. Like many businesses and households, we’re facing considerable financial challenges. Inflation is having a knock on effect on our day to day business. Things are costing more and we need to be able to factor in these increases in our planning; we can’t pretend that’s not case. Council has made savings where we can but now is not the time to cut back on key services and we need to continue to invest in our growing communities.”

Council’s 2023/24 Annual Plan includes $154.8m on capital expenditure – including $23m investment on community spaces, more than $32m on roading projects and $14m on cycleways. More than $79m will also be going into meeting storm water, water supply and waste demands.

The rates rise will be in place from 1 July 2023. Rates will also be impacted by the recent property revaluation process undertaken by independent company Quotable Value.

Ratepayers can find out what their rates will look like by using the rates calculator at waipadc.govt.nz/rates.

Rates rebates continue to be available for low-income households. More than 1100 ratepayers accessed this rebate in the last financial year. To find out if you’re eligible, visit waipadc.govt.nz/rates or phone 0800 WAIPADC (924 723).

Waipā District Council’s rates for 2023/24 will be struck at the Council meeting on 30 June.