A $1.7 million rate surplus and significant increase in development contributions are part of the Annual Report adopted by Tauranga City Council, characterising the development of a new city vision.

Adopted by TCC this week, the audited report for the 2013/14 financial year will be published online and in hard copy format within the next 20 days.

Tauranga City Council. Photo: File.

A summary document showing the key financial and non-financial performances for the year will also be produced and be made available to the public.

Highlights of the annual reports include a rates surplus of $1.7m driven through lower capital expenditure and employee costs, and a net debt of $365m: well below budget due largely to capital projects which have yet to be completed.

There is also a significant increase in development contributions compared to the prior year reflecting an increase in growth activity, and the inclusion of mandatory financial prudence benchmarks for the first time.

Tauranga City Mayor Stuart Crosby says the Annual Report presents the results of a year characterised by the development of a new vision for the city and significant changes in elected member governance and the council organisation.

This includes the election of seven new councillors, a new chief executive and senior management team, and changes to the way the organisation is structured.

'The vision is expressed through the three key strategies in which we will drive: a talented and innovative city full of opportunity; a city with heart and soul; and a city of great spaces, places and environments.

'Some of the projects from the past 12 months that have contributed to the city vision include: support for the tertiary precinct in the city centre and the marine precinct project; the commemoration of 150 years since the battles of Gate Pa and Te Ranga; strategic events support; and the completion of the Pilot Bay Boardwalk.”

Stuart says the new elected member group had put its own stamp on how it does business this year by restructuring two existing Council committees and establishing two new committees.

'The new Finance and Risk Committee monitors council's financial performance and manages risk to ensure best practice, while the new Community Development Committee aims to better connect council with its various communities.

'We have also continued to partner with agencies and organisations on projects that promote economic growth and efficiency.”

Stuart says these and other factors have put Tauranga in a very strong position as the city looks to create a new Long Term Plan.

'We have already achieved much, but continue to have high aspirations for the future.”

TCC chief executive Garry Poole says council has continued to deliver the day-to-day services that provide the city's high quality of living.

'This includes such things as provision of waste water and drinking water, rubbish collection, maintenance of roads and footpaths, street lighting, parks and reserves, walkways, street furniture, sports fields, community halls, boat ramps and processing of building and resource consents.”

Garry says operational highlights this year include: installation of the first tsunami evacuation route signs; completion of the Judea Link section of the Southern Pipeline project; stormwater and flood modelling work; and significant roading projects along Cameron Road.

TCC chief financial officer Paul Davidson says the rates surplus of about $1.7m was achieved through operational savings and savings on interest as a result of a reduced capital works programme.