Affordability and infrastructure are top priorities but...
This opinion piece by the Mayor was originally published in Feilding First on 10 April 2026 and is reproduced here for reference.
Affordability and infrastructure are top priorities but...
For the last three years the Manawatū District Council (MDC) rates increase has been the 2nd to lowest in New Zealand out of all City and District Councils. With cost of living pressures, Council will continue to work to keep rate increases as low as possible. It is not easy as “Council inflation” is very different to “household inflation.”
Roads, water, wastewater, stormwater, rubbish, recycling, parks, reserves, sportsgrounds, libraries, swimming pools and halls will remain top priorities.
Communities however thrive and grow when investment is well planned and carefully managed to protect our most productive land and our natural environment, while enabling industrial and residential growth. This includes strengthening resilience to weather events, supporting economic growth, and fostering advocacy and relationships with Iwi and Marae.
It also means working closely with community organisations, encouraging events and business connection, supporting youth and tourism and investing in community facilities, town centre revitalisations, the Civic Centre, and community and marae committees.
We need to back our rural economy, champion our proud provincial district, embrace our heritage, cultural diversity and beautiful spaces.
We also need animal control, building control, consents, compliance, environmental health and monitoring.
Council works with Sport Manawatū, Manfeild Park Trust, Manawatū Community Trust, Central Economic Development Agency, Feilding & District Promotion, other community groups, neighbours, and Horizons Regional Council.
Strong leadership underpins effective governance and clear strategic direction, regional partnerships and shared services, and ensure compelling submissions and strong advocacy to central government.
I would not call these “nice to haves.”
I consider these to be crucial if we are going to continue to have a growing and increasingly vibrant and connected community. MDC is not a spendthrift council wasting ratepayers money.
MDC is well governed, well managed and provides good services as affordably as possible. There is always room for improvement, and we are working on that too.