South Wairarapa District Council met on Thursday 25 June and adopted the 2026/27 Annual Plan, confirming the financial and operational direction for the year ahead. The meeting also focused on local government amalgamation, a funding request and other key topics which are outlined in this wrap-up.
All of our Council meetings are livestreamed and are open to the public. We know not everyone can tune in, so here’s a quick summary of the key outcomes of the most recent meeting held on 25 June 2026.
Adoption of the 2026/27 Annual Plan
Council formally adopted the 2026/27 Annual Plan and with it a total rates revenue increase of 5.4%, which is lower than the 6.5% indicated in the Long-Term Plan.
The Annual Plan is our budget that outlines how we will deliver the next year of our 2025-34 Long‑Term Plan, setting out the services we will provide, the work we will deliver and how it will be funded. Annual Plans are a legislated mechanism to ensure transparency and accountability between the Long-Term Plans.
Council confirmed that this Annual Plan aligns closely with Year Two of the 2025-34 Long-Term Plan (LTP) in both strategic direction and financial assumptions. This approach reflects a deliberate commitment to continuity, with no material changes to levels of service, major projects, or overall priorities.
The final Annual Plan will be published on the Council website on 1 July. You can read the version submitted to Council in the meeting agenda.
Schedule of Fees and Charges
The Schedule of Fees and Charges from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027 was also adopted at the meeting.
The schedule includes costs for hiring community facilities, such as sports venues, the use of parks and reserves, housing for seniors and cemeteries fees. Council fees and charges also relate to building consents among other services.
Full details of updated fees and charges will be available on our website on 1 July.
Setting rates for the year ending 30 June 2027
Council also set the rates, due dates and penalties for the year ahead. These are based on the Revenue and Finance policy and align with the Annual Plan. Rates for the 2026/2027 financial year are set by the Council in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002.
Find out more about the rates here.
Local government amalgamation
Elected members received an update on the Government’s Head Start programme, enabling councils to explore unitary authority options. Councillors agreed to continue working with Wairarapa and regional partners to assess both sub-regional and regional proposals ahead of the 9 August deadline.
Councillors discussed the next steps of working towards a proposal to central government on an option that addresses both affordability and local voice for South Wairarapa. The Council is working with Carterton and Masterton District Councils to develop a financial model for a Wairarapa Unitary Council. The results of this modelling will be compared with a regional unitary model before determining next steps.
More information is on our website: Simplifying local government
LGOIMA policy update
A new policy was adopted by the Council for how it can charge for responding to Local Government Official Information Act (LGOIMA) requests, which have increased in volume and are taking up significant staff time.
The LGOIMA – Charging and Proactive Release Policy strengthens Council’s commitment to openness for the proactive release of information, increased transparency and public trust. It does not introduce new charges but formalises existing practice.
Find out more on today’s meeting agenda.
Appointments to the Infrastructure Committee
Councillor Aidan Ellims was appointed as the new Chairperson of the Infrastructure Committee following the resignation of Councillor Colin Olds on 9 June this year. Councillors agreed that a Deputy Chairperson was be appointed after the by-election for a new Featherston councillor.
Local Government NZ Remits 2026
Council officers recommended the appointment of Mayor Fran Wilde as the primary nominee to attend the Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) Annual General meeting on 31 July this year and to vote on remits on behalf of the Council.
A remit is a proposal submitted by a member council that asks LGNZ to take a position, advocate for change, or undertake specific work on an issue affecting local government.
Councillors agreed for the nominee to endorse remits such as priorities for Dog Control Act reform and improved regulation of vape retailers.
Read through today’s meeting agenda for more information here.
Acting Mayor appointed
Mayor Fran Wilde recommended appointing Deputy Mayor Rob Taylor as Acting Mayor from 10 July to 28 July 2026 while she is on leave.
More information
See the agenda and decision papers (minutes will also be released here once finalised): Council – 25 June 2026 – SWDC
Watch the meeting recording on YouTube: Council – 25 June 2026