Council remains committed to providing quality services

The plan for how and where money is spent in the Hurunui District for the next decade has been decided. Hurunui District Council’s Long Term Plan 2024-34 (LTP) was adopted during an extraordinary Council meeting this morning.

Council had previously asked its communities for its views on three key issues: a proposal to increase rates investment in roading; the financial planning of Queen Mary South site; and a proposed change in rating for stormwater and drainage. Including late submissions, a total of around 149 written submissions were received, and some key changes were made to the adopted LTP.

As a result, the expected average growth-adjusted rates increase in 2024/25 (Year 1) will be 10.98%, 2025/26 (Year 2) will be 14.49% and 2026/27 (Year 3) will be 4.99%.

At the time of going out for consultation, Council had put together a bid to NZTA Waka Kotahi for a roading programme of $61 million over three years. Funding for roading comes from local rates (48%) and subsidies from NZTA Waka Kotahi (52%).

In June, NZTA Waka Kotahi advised Council the funding will be significantly lower than Council’s bid at $30.6 million over the next three years, with $16 million coming from NZTA Waka Kotahi subsidies.

Mayor Marie Black said regardless of this set back, positioning Hurunui District for the future remains a high importance. She said there will still be a robust budget for road maintenance like grading, road surface servicing and drainage, so transportation remains safe for locals and visitors.

Following the receipt of the NZTA Waka Kotahi indicative funding advice, it was necessary to review the roading budget and modify significant elements of the LTP, including activity information, infrastructure strategy and financial strategy. This in turn required further audit which delayed the adoption of the LTP.

“The overall impact was that it was not possible for Council to adopt the LTP at the June Council meeting,” said Mayor Black.

“In the coming year, a key factor contributing to rates increases for many properties will be the cost of servicing debt incurred to carry out water supply upgrades to meet changes in regulations,” said Mayor Black.

She thanked her fellow councillors for providing opportunities to their communities to engage in the submission process, and equally thanked locals for providing their thoughts. She expressed that the focus must remain on meeting the needs and desires of the people of Hurunui, together facing the issues and finding solutions for the next decade, and beyond.

“Council remains committed to providing quality services and ensuring the decisions made can support resilient infrastructure, so that our district is well positioned for the future.”