What is an Annual Plan?
Annual Plans are prepared in the years between each Long Term Plan (LTP). These plans set out what we propose to do that year, how much it will cost and how we will fund it.
Once the LTP is in place, the Annual Plan process continues, but the focus is on year-to-year budgets.
The Annual Plans produced in the intervening years support the Long Term Plan, and their primary purpose is to provide the base for setting and assessing rates.
The 2026/27 Annual Plan
The Annual Plan was formally adopted by Council at its meeting on 16 June.
The decision follows a strong community engagement process which saw a total of 59 submissions received, containing 203 submission points, alongside 114 responses on the key consultation topics.
Hearings were held on Thursday 6 May, with 25 submitters speaking to Council.
The Annual Plan reflects both Council’s commitment to financial responsibility and the Government’s direction for councils to focus on delivering quality local infrastructure, core services, and responsible rates increases. The intention throughout the process was to stay closely aligned with what was signalled for year three of the Long Term Plan.
Council carefully reviewed spending and prioritised affordability, scaling back the capital programme to a level that is realistic, achievable, and sustainable, while still maintaining the services residents expect. As a result, Council consulted on a proposed average rates increase of 4.91 per cent, with the final agreed increase sitting at 4.99 per cent.
Importantly, that figure includes Three Waters costs. Excluding Three Waters, the average general rates increase for most ratepayers across the district is around 2.9 per cent.
Feedback from residents covered a range of key issues, including:
- Proposed changes to local government, including the possible disestablishment of regional councils
- Local Water Done Well and the future structure of Three Waters services
- The proposed capital programme for 2026/27 and Council’s efforts to improve affordability
- The revised costings for the Rangiora Eastern Link project
- Transport funding pressures following a $13.5m NZ Transport Agency co-funding shortfall over three years
- The impact of increased asset values on depreciation and insurance costs
- Rates remissions for secondary dwellings and minor amendments to the Development Contributions Policy.
Overall, feedback showed strong support for the direction Council is taking, particularly around balancing affordability with investment in critical infrastructure and growth planning.
The 2025/26 Annual Plan
The Council adopted the Annual Plan at its meeting on 17 June 2025.
The plan lays out a responsible budget which will allow Council to continue to deliver a high level of service, provide for growth, while also keeping rates increases to a minimum.
Council has committed to a rates movement of 4.98 per cent which is one of the lowest in the country.
Consultation took place between 14 March and 21 April and Council received 787 submissions and 1,005 associated submission points from submitters. Hearings were held on Tuesday 6 May, with 23 submitters heard.
Residents provided a say on:
- Considering the best arrangement for Local Water Done Well, the reform of Three Waters services. The best option for our community has been determined to be a stand-alone business unit of Council. Council will continue to investigate joint arrangements between the business unit and neighbouring councils. This is essentially the same as we have now but meets the new Government legislative requirements.
- Council also sought input on rates remission for secondary dwellings as well as our Development Contributions policy.
- Responding to a NZ Transport Agency funding shortfall: A $13.5m gap for roads and transport over three years.
- The impact of increased asset values: Higher valuations of roads, reserves, and water plants drive up depreciation costs. These increases in value result in hikes in costs of depreciation and insurance.
Most submissions however were on the topic of Three Waters Reform, with 97.2 per cent supporting the Council’s preferred option of establishing an internal business unit to manage water going forward. By September Council will submit a Water Services Delivery Plan to central government that discusses how we will meet future water standards and regulation. It’s our intention to send this well before the deadline.
If you would like to view an earlier Annual Plan which isn't listed below, please contact Customer Services on 0800 965 468 or email office@wmk.govt.nz.