Council Adopts Annual Plan for 2026/27

The Annual Plan serves as Council's roadmap for the next 12 months, outlining how rates and other funding will be invested to maintain essential services, deliver planned projects and support the district's future growth.

Deputy Mayor Grant Hadfield said the adopted plan reflects Council's commitment to balancing affordability with the need to invest in the infrastructure and services communities rely on every day.

"The Annual Plan is about making sure we continue delivering for our communities while being responsible with public funds. It outlines what we'll do over the next year, where we're investing, and how we'll continue supporting a district that is growing and evolving."

The 2026/27 Annual Plan continues the priorities and direction established in Year Three of Council's Long-term Plan 2024–2034. While the Long-term Plan sets Council's vision and priorities over a ten-year period, the Annual Plan confirms what will be delivered in the coming financial year and any adjustments that have been made along the way.

This year's plan includes a total rates increase of 4.9%, lower than the 7.3% increase forecast in the Long-term Plan.

Deputy Mayor Grant Hadfield says this outcome reflects Council's focus on managing costs while continuing to invest in the district.

"We recognise that many households are feeling the effects of rising costs. Council faces many of those same pressures, but we've worked hard to ensure we can continue maintaining our infrastructure and delivering quality services while keeping rates increases as low as possible."

The Annual Plan provides a transparent overview of Council's finances, showing how public money will be used to deliver services, maintain assets and support the wellbeing of communities across the district.  The document will be available on Council's website at www.mdc.govt.nz by the end of July.