South Wairarapa District Council has today deliberated its Long-Term Plan for 2025/34, and with it a preliminary total rate increase of 4.7% for 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2026.

At today’s Strategy Working Committee meeting, Deputy Mayor Melissa Sadler-Futter said elected members and council staff had worked hard to limit the overall rates increase. “I want to acknowledge the work that has got us to this point, especially the community members who took part during the consultation and gave their time through hearings.” 

During the Long-Term Plan consultation between 7 March and 6 April, 218 full submissions and 600 form letters were received that addressed six questions across three decision areas. Having considered the feedback from the community, the Council agreed to:  

• Maintain the level of uniform rates at 21%, instead of increasing to 28% as proposed in the consultation.  
• Maintain the current funding model for services and facilities based in the three main towns instead of introducing a District Services Rate. This would have seen a higher portion of funding come from those who lived closer to town centres.   
• Refine the definition of Separately Used or Inhabitable Part (SUIP) to make it clear which exclusions apply.  
• Change the Refuse & Recycling Charge back to per rating unit instead of per SUIP. 
• Spend $6.05 million to operate and maintain the water network for 2025/26.   
• Fund the full Low Cost Low Risk roading improvements programme with an increased capital budget.  

“We have been very mindful of the impact of our decisions on ratepayers’ pockets. In the current economic climate, a rates increase of any size is something to carefully consider. We are all here for right reasons and our community is at the heart of those decisions we make.” said Sadler-Futter.  

Council decided not to fund a number of Memorandum of Understandings (MOU’s) that were requested during the consultation, with many around the table concerned about making longer term commitments ahead of a new triennium. Instead, it was agreed to increase the annual Community & Youth Grant budget from $120,000 to $200,000 for the 2025/26 year.  

“We have a small amount of funding available to share across our district and in this environment, everyone should get a chance to apply for a contestable fund instead of committing to MOU’s.  

“We are trying to balance keeping rate increases low and supporting the incredible work that our community delivers,“ shared Sadler-Futter.  

Also resolved were requests made from each of the Community Boards:

• Martinborough Community Board’s request to fence the small children’s area at the Waihinga playground with funding from the Waihinga Reserve up to the balance of the reserve. This does not have an impact on rates.  
• Featherston Community Board’s request to include the Featherston greenspace in the budget.
• Greytown Community Board’s request to extend the Arbor Reserve in Greytown, and delegate beautification to the Greytown Community Board. 

“These outcomes are a great example of our Community Boards identifying projects that are meaningful to their communities that also have a low impact on the overall budget. Well done to all involved,” said Councillor Aidan Ellims.  

Council will adopt the final Long-Term Plan and budget on 25 June 2025.  

Ends 

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