We want to know what you think of our proposed priorities for the next Annual Plan, which is due to be adopted on June 30.

To help, we’ve published an engagement document which you can find on our website or in this week’s Midweek and Times Age (4 & 5 May). We will also be holding a Zoom and other opportunities around the district this month to discuss the priorities with our Mayor and Councillors. A dedicated Annual Plan page under Plans will be regularly updated.

The Annual Plan engagement document contains our priorities for the coming 2022/23 financial year. It gives a breakdown of the costs involved and provides an update on what has been achieved to date in this financial year.

The Annual Plan is an important document because it helps set the rates levels for the coming year and provides a check and balance that we are sticking to the goals laid out in the 10-year Long Term Plan (LTP).

That plan was drawn up in consultation with the public in 2021, and it is reviewed every three years in case new issues or opportunities arise. This is year 2 of the LTP and as it does not differ significantly, we are not repeating the consultation process, but we do want to have your feedback.

Public engagement closes on 30 May. To give us your thoughts, go to our annual plan feedback form.

Wondering how this will affect your rates? We have also created a rates estimator which will help you estimate what your individual rates are likely to be for the next year. This excludes the rates set by GWRC. Please visit their website to estimate those costs.

We also have a special email address if you wish to contact the Council directly on the plan – annualplan@swdc.govt.nz.

Please keep a watch on our website and social media for details on opportunities to engage online and in person.