Frequently Asked Questions

The Annual Plan sets out what Council intends to deliver between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027, how much it will cost, and how this work will be funded. It highlights the big differences from the Long Term Plan 2024–34.

Council seeks input from the community when proposed changes substantially differ from what was planned in the Long Term Plan. For this plan there are a number of changes propose, as outlined in the Consultation Document.  

Storm‑related recovery costs from the January severe weather event are not included because full costs are still being assessed. The focus of this Plan is maintaining essential services while recovery costs are still being assessed.

Council is proposing an 8.13% increase for existing ratepayers, which is ana 9.13% overall increase including growth (the district grows by about 1% a year). This is lower than the 9.64% planned in the Long Term Plan for 2026/27. 

Actual rates increases vary property to property due to location, services received and capital value. Please see the Consultation Document for some example sample rates for different types of properties.

Council faces an unexpected funding gap due to less transport funding being available from Central Government, early delivery of prior works, severe weather damage, and growth pressures. Additional investment helps maintain what is important like mowing and avoid higher future costs.

Council seeks feedback on options such as funding through rates, using reserves, spreading costs over five years, deferring improvements, or reducing service levels.

A hybrid model is proposed, where general rates (paid for by everyone) fund basic administration and targeted rates (paid for by those in the Community Board’s area) fund local initiatives in each Board area.

Current rates and charges do not cover full water service costs. A 15% increase to volumetric charges (from $1.75 last year to $2.01 per m³) is proposed to share costs across users, with those using more water paying more.  This builds on an increase to the volumetric charge made last year from $1.43 to $1.75 per cubic metre (m3).

We are in a tight financial environment and this approach recognises that some areas already have unspent reserves and the less urgent need of these works. A temporary one‑year allocation of $500,000 (instead of $904,061) is proposed while the approach to these types of projects and their funding is reviewed.

Parts of the District must be fluoridated under national direction. A fluoride‑free tap provides a level of choice without affecting compliance. The cost is $65,000, funded through water rates.

These include the Te Puke Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade funding, reduced UAGC, preparation for a possible new water entity, Te Puna School wastewater connection, City & Regional Deal support, and HR system upgrades.

Revaluations do not change the total rates collected — only how they are shared. If your property value rises more than the District average, you may pay more; if less, you may pay less. For more information visit: Property Revaluation 2025/2026 - Western Bay of Plenty District Council

You can submit feedback online, via email, filling in a form at our libraries and service centres, at drop‑in sessions, or by speaking at hearings on 23 April (booking by 20 April required).

Consultation runs from 20 March to 20 April. Hearings are on 23 April, with decisions in May and adoption in June.