Waimakariri council finds cuts in proposed rate increase

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By local democracy reporter David Hill:

A rates rise of under 6% is on the cards after the Waimakariri District Council’s annual plan deliberations last week.

The council pared back a projected 6.9% rise as they endeavoured to ease the impact on people’s pockets.

Councillors voted to defer funding depreciation for asset replacement, and to spread out earthquake loan repayments to keep its average rates rise at 5.97%.

It was higher than the 4.2% signalled in the 2021-31 long-term plan, but reflected the economic realities, with inflation at 7.2%, mayor Dan Gordon said.

“We think it is a fairly responsible position to present to our community.

“There is always an impact, so that is why there is a careful balance.”

Gordon said feedback indicated ratepayers wanted the council to stick to its work programme, especially when it came to roading.

The council faced a shortfall in Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency funding, because, while it was inflation adjusted, it did not cover all of the rising costs.

“We don’t want to fall behind with our roading programme, especially with the number of weather events we are getting,” Gordon said.

“And we will be having strong conversations with Waka Kotahi, with our partner councils to see what can be done.”

The council also planned to write to Transport Minister Michael Wood.

Planning was under way to expand the district’s cycling network, following a $6 million grant which was announced in December and needed to be spent by June 2024.


Further community feedback on cycleways projects will be sought later this year.

The council decided to bring forward its ultraviolet treatment programme for the district’s drinking water schemes to enhance its case for chlorine exemptions.

“While we are going through the chlorine exemption process, what we are picking up from Taumata Arowai is having some extra barrier in place is a requirement,” Gordon said.

“Anything we can do to keep our community protected we will do and we know the strong desire from our community to be chlorine free.”

The council is due meet again on February 28 to adopt the draft annual plan ahead of consultation from March 10 to April 17.

The council is proposing to consult on investment, the costs of keeping urban water supplies chlorine free, stormwater updates, contract inflation, and depreciation and earthquake funding.

The consultation document would also provide information on government reforms, climate change and sustainability, community facilities, rubbish and recycling, Canterbury Museum and the Christchurch stadium.