A rate collected for town centre development in Waihī Beach, Katikati, Ōmokoroa and Te Puke could be replaced with a system that covers the whole Western Bay of Plenty District.

The Town Centre Development Fund is a pool of money shared between the four major towns in the District.

It is built up by collecting $10 a year from every property in the District. Each town receives money from the fund for four years at a time, and community boards assist Council in deciding what it is spent on.

In its Long Term Plan 2024 – 2034, which is open for consultation until June 17, Western Bay of Plenty District Council is considering stopping the fund in favour of looking at each project individually, so it is clearer what is being worked on and when, right across the District.

“The Fund was set up in 2007 and has rotated around all four towns, so now’s the perfect time to think about its future,” says Rachael Davie, Council’s General Manager Strategy and Community.

“While the fund has paid for some very worthwhile projects, like Te Puke’s Heritage Walkway and Two Mile Creek Walkway in Waihī Beach, it’s not a perfect model. It takes 16 years to come back round to each town, the funding amount is relatively small, and it doesn’t cover the whole District.

“We are taking another look at the fund because we want to make sure we’re using ratepayers’ money in the fairest way possible. We think our preferred option is a better way of funding these projects and is a more equitable District-wide approach.”

The alternative option would be to replace the Town Centre Development Fund with a contestable fund, funded by a targeted rate of $10 per property across the District.

"It’s important that we work together to create vibrant, thriving communities that benefit all residents. So, we encourage people to get involved in the Long Term Plan kōrero and share their thoughts and ideas.”

Katikati has its own additional Town Centre Rate, of $23 per property year, which is collected for similar purposes to the Town Centre Development Fund but is separate and unique to the area. There are no changes proposed for this rate.

How to put yourself in the picture

• Online l wānanga ipurangi: www.haveyoursay.westernbay.govt.nz/LTP
• Hard copy l pepa mārō: Grab a feedback form at any of our Library and Service Centres in Waihī Beach, Katikati, Ōmokoroa, Te Puke or to the main Council Office at Barkes Corner, Greerton.
• In person l ā kanohi: Come talk to us at one of our community events.
• Email l īmēra: Email haveyoursay@westernbay.govt.nz with the subject line 'LTP Submission'. Include your full name and address.
• Present your views: This is an opportunity to provide your feedback to councillors in Council Chambers on Wednesday 26 June. Please email haveyoursay@westernbay.govt.nz by Monday 17 June 2024 to secure a timeslot. We will be in touch with a time for you.