2025/26 Annual Plan | Mahere ā-Tau

We’re proposing a model that acknowledges different levels of access to a range of community and public transport services throughout the region.

Based on the level of access to bus services, we’re proposing five different rating categories across three geographical areas. The rating cost to properties in these areas is based on the level of public transport services available.

The proposal does not impact the total amount of rates collected across the region for public transport. So, while it may result in some households paying slightly more, others should pay slightly less. The only change is to how we collect the part of public transport funding that comes from rates.

For Hamilton, we’re proposing two options. This acknowledges that around 80 per cent of bus services are within Hamilton, so these ratepayers pay considerably more than other parts of the region for public transport.

Option two is for the rate in Hamilton to be based on the capital value of a property. This recognises that currently Hamilton’s public transport rating is based on a property’s capital value, so option two is less likely to be a significant change to the current rates that you pay.

Council’s preferred option is for every household in Hamilton to pay the same because it keeps things simple and will provide a consistent approach across the region. This is option one.

We want to improve the community’s resilience to extreme weather events by providing active and ongoing river and catchment management activities on the Wharekawa Coast. This would include:

• upper catchment stability control through planting and erosion control
• general river management works, including clearing of blockages in streams and culverts, and works to improve channel stability and capacity
• stream mouth clearance/opening
• technical advice to landowners on management techniques
• works in the coastal marine area that may include estuarine wetland protection and enhancement, and natural erosion measures.

The programme is estimated to cost $150,000 per annum over 10 years and we’re proposing to fund most of this through a new targeted rate. This would allow this work to commence in July 2025.

As with similar programmes in the region, there would also be a contribution made through the general rate to recognise the wider public benefits of the work such as improved river stability and reduced sedimentation of river and coastal environments. The programme will also benefit sites that contribute to the regional economy and lower the risk of disruption from flooding on essential lifeline services (such as roads and telecommunication).

We’re therefore proposing a funding split that would mean that 70 per cent of the cost is recovered via a targeted rate paid by the Wharekawa community, and 30 per cent paid for through the general rate. The 70 per cent targeted rate contribution reflects the funding approach of similar river and catchment programmes in other parts of the region.

For ratepayers outside the Wharekawa community, the cost equates to around 2 cents per $100,000 of capital value (CV). So, a property with a CV of $500,000 would only pay 10 cents more per year.

We’re seeking feedback on how we should fund the 70 per cent targeted rate component paid for by the Wharekawa community.

The primary industry compliance rate was introduced through the 2024-2034 Long Term Plan to ensure the greater cost of our primary industry compliance and engagement activities is borne by those that use the services, with less of the costs borne by general ratepayers. The targeted component of the rate applies to properties 20ha or greater.

We recognised that properties subject to the targeted rate that were covered in large areas of bush would not benefit from our primary industry compliance activities. We have been using our general remissions policy since the rate was introduced to ensure those properties are not unfairly targeted.

We’re now formalising this approach through a specific primary industry compliance rate remission.

This remission will give a full discount on the primary industry compliance rate for any portion of land that’s covered in bush.

We needed to reflect increases in our year-on-year costs and we’ve made some updates to ensure consistency with changes to legislation.

We want to make sure those affected have the opportunity to share their views on the proposed price adjustments.

You are invited to speak to councillors about your feedback during hearings.

Hearing locations

Hearings will be held in two locations. Please select the hearing location that works for you.

• Hearings will be held in Paeroa on 19 May 2025.
  • Hearings will be at Hauraki District Council, 1 Williams Street, Paeroa.
• Hearings will be held in Hamilton on 20 May 2025.
  • Hearings will be held at Waikato Regional Council, 160 Ward Street, Hamilton.

Bookings

If you or your group would like to speak, you can book a 10 minute speaking slot.

If you are unable to find a suitable time, please contact the Corporate Planning team on 0800 800 401.

Please arrive at the hearing location 15 minutes prior to your allocated time.

Supporting material

You can use PowerPoint as part of your presentation if you wish, but it must be supplied to the Council two working days prior to the hearings. You can email your presentation to haveyoursay@waikatoregion.govt.nz

If you are bringing any additional handouts, please provide 14 copies.

Further information

If you have any questions, need additional assistance at the hearing, or if you change your mind about presenting, please contact the Corporate Planning team on freephone 0800 800 401 or email haveyoursay@waikatoregion.govt.nz