Western Bay of Plenty District Council has set its direction for this year’s rates – with an average increase of 8.92%.

This remains below the 10.13 % average rate increase originally forecast in the council’s Long-Term Plan 2024-2034.

Western BoP councillors, at last week’s annual plan and long-term plan committee meeting, agreed to the revised figure ahead of the annual plan being formally adopted on June 26.

The updated figure follows earlier indications of a possible 7.42% increase, after taking account of initial savings and reduced interest and inflation rates.

However, financial prudence called for further adjustments, including rebuilding reserves, addressing lower-than-expected revenue in the regulatory space, necessary additional investment in water services, and settling weathertight claims.

Western Bay Mayor James Denyer said the agreed approach reflects a careful balance between affordability for ratepayers, financial prudence, and continuing to deliver the services and infrastructure that communities rely on.

“This continues to be a very challenging economic environment – for households and for councils,” Denyer said.

“We know any increase adds pressure for ratepayers, and we’ve been very mindful of that in our decisions. But the reality is we’re facing unavoidable cost pressures – and at the same time, we need to keep investing in the essential services, infrastructure, and resilience our communities rely on.

“That’s why we’ve taken a very deliberate, line-by-line approach to the budget – prioritising what matters most, ensuring we remain financially sustainable, and delivering value for every dollar spent.”

Back in February, Western Bay of Plenty councillors agreed not to consult on this year’s annual plan, because no significant or material changes to the Long Term Plan 2024-2034 were proposed and the focus remained on delivering what was already planned.

While the revised 8.92% rates increase is higher than the earlier 7.42% indication, it remains below the 10.13% forecast in the long-term plan, and does not trigger a requirement for community consultation, said the council in a statement.

“Council remains focused on delivering key projects – with progress planned this year on the Minden Lookout, staged delivery of the Tahawai and Beach Rd concept plans, early work on the Dave Hume Pool upgrade, and major ongoing improvements across the Ōmokoroa and Te Puke roading networks.”

Denyer said: “We’ll continue to focus on the projects, services, and outcomes that make a real difference for our communities”.

The final annual plan will be formally adopted by the council on June 26.

For more information, visit: www.westernbay.govt.nz/council/plans-policies-strategies-bylaws/plans/annual-plans/annualplan2025-26.

Watch the annual plan and long-term plan committee meeting at: www.youtube.com/live/ObtLrSRdcBQ.