Land Rationalisation: A review of council-owned properties

One of our goals is to have quality community spaces and infrastructure that will serve Tararua well into the future. To do that—and keep rates manageable—we’re taking a smarter look at the buildings and land Council already owns.

Some sites are underused, outdated, or no longer meet a clear public need. By reviewing these, we can avoid spending money where it’s not needed and look at reinvesting in things the community truly values.

Basically, we’re responding to what you told us in the 2024–2034 Long Term Plan:
“Reduce spending and make smarter use of resources.”

It’s about value for money.

Maintaining unused or underused properties is costing ratepayers money. Selling some of these properties will reduce ongoing costs like maintenance, rates, and insurance (which increased by 20% in 2025) — and ultimately, help reduce future rates.

For residents who don’t pay rates directly — like renters, flatmates, or those living in social housing — this still affects you too. When Council keeps costs down, it helps keep pressure off the whole system. Lower rates can help limit rent increases, and mean more of Council’s budget can go toward services and spaces everyone uses — like roads, libraries, parks, and events.

Basically, we’re responding to what you told us in the 2024–2034 Long Term Plan:
“Reduce spending and make smarter use of resources.”

Different groups are affected, depending on their connection to the sites involved.

People who lease, use, or manage one of these sites: We’re starting the conversation here and talking directly with these people before anything progresses.

Community groups or service based at one of the sites: We’re reaching out to these groups to talk about what’s happening, how it might impact your activities and how you can join the conversation. If your group uses one of these sites and has not been contacted, please get in touch.

People that feel strongly about these sites, or have ideas on how they could be used: We invite you to read what we’re proposing and join the conversation using the submission form.

Council looked at a range of factors, including:

• How the land is used now (and who’s using it)
• Legal requirements for selling it
• Whether the land is Crown-owned, reserve land, or subject to treaty obligations
• Infrastructure on the site (e.g. water pipes)
• Existing leases or licences
• Subdivision and consent requirements
• The likely cost of selling versus the expected return

Each property is different, but in general the process is likely to include:

• Legal checks and land status reports
• Conversations with the Department of Conservation (for reserve land)
• Gathering public feedback
• Subdivision and registering easements
• Valuations and market appraisals
• Engaging with iwi, leaseholders, and community users

Some steps, like changes to reserve status, can take several years.

Council is reviewing any lease or licence agreements and will talk directly with users before moving forward. Even if an agreement has expired, we’ll still give fair notice and make sure people are informed and involved.

This work is part of a wider focus on financial sustainability. We’re trying to:

• Use public assets more efficiently
• Reduce unnecessary spending
• Reduce future rates

It reflects what people told us during the last Long Term Plan consultation— that it’s time to reduce spending and make smarter use of resources.

You can stay up to date by visiting:

• Council website (this page) – background info, updates, and ways to provide feedback
• Council meeting minutes – official decisions and discussion: Agendas and Minutes : Tararua District Council
• Council’s YouTube channel – recordings of public meetings: https://www.youtube.com/@LandOfRanges