Tararua District Council endorsed its Annual Budget (previously known as the Annual Plan) and Fees and Charges for 2026/27 yesterday, confirming an average rates increase of 4.83%. This is significantly less than the earlier projections of 11.84% in the Long Term Plan. The Annual Budget will be formally adopted by Council in May.

“We know any increase is challenging, but we have done everything we can to keep it as low as possible while still maintaining the services our communities rely on”, says Mayor Scott Gilmore. The outcome reflects a more disciplined and practical approach from elected members and staff, with a strong focus on affordability while continuing to deliver essential services for the community.

Mayor Scott Gilmore says the reduced increase has been achieved through a clear focus on getting the basics right. “We heard clearly from our community that affordability matters. Since coming into office, that has been our top priority.”

“Bringing the average rates increase down to 4.83% has not happened by accident. We’ve taken a hard look at costs, focused on more efficient ways to deliver core services, and made careful decisions about where we spend.”

The Annual Budget outlines Council’s priorities for the year ahead, with a continued focus on affordability and efficiency, maintaining core infrastructure, and supporting the district’s resilience and growth.

Chief Executive Corin Haines confirms that this result reflects a tighter and more disciplined budget. “We’ve significantly reduced our operating costs and taken a practical approach to how we manage our assets and services. At the same time, we need to ensure we continue to invest in essential infrastructure like roads, pipes, and community facilities.”

“A large portion of the remaining increase is driven by factors outside of Council’s control, particularly interest costs and depreciation, which are necessary to ensure we can maintain and replace infrastructure over time.”

Council notes that the 4.83% figure is an average across the district. Individual rates changes will vary depending on factors such as property value, location, and the services received, meaning some ratepayers may see a higher or lower change than the average.

This year, Council has not undertaken formal consultation on the Annual Budget. Mayor Scott Gilmore says this reflects a conscious decision to focus on financial discipline and avoid introducing significant changes.

“We heard our community loud and clear during the election. This year has been about getting the basics right, maintaining services, and carefully managing our finances rather than introducing new projects or major changes.”

Looking ahead, Council is preparing for early engagement on the next Long Term Plan, where there will be broader conversations with the community about the future direction of the district.

“The Long Term Plan is where those bigger conversations belong, and some of them will be difficult,” Mayor Scott Gilmore says. “It’s an opportunity to step back, look ahead, and work alongside our communities to make sure we’re setting a direction that is both sustainable and affordable over the long term.”

It’s important to note that this Annual Budget also reflects the current delivery of water services through Council. These services are expected to transition to the new Wairarapa-Tararua water organisation in future, which will change how these costs are reflected.

Council encourages the community to stay involved in upcoming Long Term Plan engagement, which will help shape priorities and investment for the district over the coming decade.