Mayor hails Waimakariri council's annual plan with average rates rise of 4.5%

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From local democracy reporter David Hill:

Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon has praised the efforts of staff after the Waimakariri District Council confirmed “one of the lowest rates rises in the country”.

Councillors voted to adopt the 2022-23 annual plan at a council meeting on Tuesday, with an average rates rise of 4.5%.

“It’s been a large piece of work because of the current economic situation,” Gordon said.

The annual plan largely followed on from last year’s 2021-31 long-term plan (LTP), with some adjustments to reflect the challenging economic environment, he said.

Economic indicators suggest the Waimakariri district is performing well, despite the impacts of Covid-19 and global economic uncertainty.
The prospect of nearly 900 new houses being built this year provides some optimism going forward, Gordon said.

“We wanted to ensure that we were going to be able to deliver on everything that we planned and to not end up with a case of over promising and under delivering.

“I’m very confident that we can provide the very high level of service that our ratepayers expect, while ensuring that we are not overspending at this crucial time.”

This year’s annual plan features upgrades to drinking water plants, increased funding for the proposed mixed use community hub in Kaiapoi, upgrades to the Rangiora Airfield and funding to protect significant natural areas.

Capital works are not forgotten, with increased funding allocated towards the Kaiapoi storm water and flooding improvements and upgrades to roading infrastructure.

Deputy mayor Neville Atkinson said this year’s annual plan deliberations had been “the most honest we’ve ever been with ourselves with what we can and can’t deliver”.

“We have change from government coming, we have the non-supply of materials, and we have inflation.

“The earthquakes were a difficult time, but it was pretty specific to Canterbury, but this (Covid-19) has impacted on the whole country.

“We are in for an incredibly rough two years, so I think this annual plan is a great achievement.”

Cr Paul Williams raised concern that the percentages of rates funding allocated to roading appeared to be lower than funding for the libraries, parks and swimming pools.

Gordon said it was a subject that needed further debate, but he noted the feedback from residents indicated the council was heading in the right direction.

“We get constant feedback at how much people value our libraries and pools, so I’m comfortable with the rates resolution.”

Last year the council considered climate change in the LTP for the first time.

Gordon said this year’s annual plan was underpinned by a conscious effort to enhance wellbeing, the environment and sustainability in a growing district.

“People told us they are happy with our advocacy around Three Waters and our commitment to balancing growth and optimism with economic uncertainty.”