Community Engagement Results
Tararua District Council
Budget Challenge Results
An early conversation for the Long Term Plan 2027-2037
At a glance
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Budget Challenge
Total respondents
445
Online, in person & print
Top priority
Roading & Transportation
Average of 31.0% of spending
Lowest priority
Consents & Licensing
Average of 7.8% of spending
Priority ranking
Average share of allocation across all three channels (online, in person, and print), each weighted equally.
Figures combine online (238 respondents, $1,000 each), in-person (183 respondents, 10 tokens each) and print (24 respondents, 10 tokens each) data, normalised as a percentage share per channel and averaged.
Respondents
238
Online submissions
Top priority
Roading & Transportation
Average of 47.4% of spending
Lowest priority
Consents & Licensing
Average of 4.6% of spending
Priority ranking
Breakdown by town
Respondents
183
Across 5 locations
Top priority
Community Spaces & Services
Average of 26.8% of spending
Lowest priority
Consents & Licensing
Average of 7.3% of spending
Priority ranking
Breakdown by location
⚠ Dannevirke Library (6 respondents) and Eketāhuna (12 respondents) had small samples - interpret with caution.
Priority rankings by channel
How each channel ranked the six service areas, from highest to lowest share of allocation.
Scroll sideways to see the full table.
Rankings based on share of total allocation per channel. Print responses normalised to 10 tokens per person where respondents exceeded the limit.
Respondents
24
Print submissions
Top priority
Roading & Transportation
Average of 24.1% of spending
Lowest priority
Consents & Licensing
Average of 11.4% of spending
Priority ranking
Breakdown by area
9 responses exceeded the 10-token limit and were normalised proportionally. 2 responses used fewer than 10 tokens and are included as submitted.
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Community Comments
Keep responses
174
Online & print
Start responses
191
Online & print
Stop responses
150
Online & print
Total comments
515
Online & print
Common Themes
Top theme
173
Rates & Affordability
The community's most prominent concern. More comments mentioned rates, spending, and value for money than any other topic.
"Keep spending tight and under control. We can't afford to go over what we earn, you shouldn't."
2nd theme
115
Community Spaces & Services
Libraries, pools, parks, playgrounds and recycling generated strong, mostly positive sentiment. People want these protected and improved.
"Parks and cemeteries look awesome. Keep making outdoor spaces nice."
3rd theme
110
Growth & Economic Development
There's a strong appetite for the district to attract businesses, retain young people, and promote what makes Tararua distinctive.
"Start promoting smaller towns to the outside world. There is a huge amount of people looking to relocate to a smaller town."
4th theme
108
Communication & Engagement
Largely positive. People noticed and appreciated the improved communication from council, and want to see it continue.
"Keep asking for feedback like this. It's a great way to be interactive."
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Strategic Framework
Common Themes
Top theme
29
Rates, Debt & Financial Accountability
The most common concern. Many felt the framework doesn't honestly name the financial challenge facing the district, and want more than a broad commitment to keeping rates low.
"There is nowhere that addresses the massive debt TDC is incurring. Let's focus on getting the debt completely paid off so ratepayers' money is actually achieving something positive."
2nd theme
11
Reputation & Identity Pillar Questioned
Several respondents challenged whether Reputation and Identity belongs as a strategic pillar, arguing it should be an outcome of doing the basics well rather than a goal in its own right.
"Reputation and Identity shouldn't be a strategic focus. Getting the basics right at an affordable level and pace will build council's reputation."
3rd theme
11
Growth Strategy Questioned
Views were split. Some wanted stronger focus on economic growth, others felt growth for growth's sake was the wrong priority. Several noted the Te Ahu a Turanga highway opportunity wasn't named in the framework.
"Regarding future focus, we shouldn't focus on growth just for the sake of growth. Decisions should be based on current needs and things that can reliably be predicted."
4th theme
10
Framework Lacks Measurable Targets
A recurring critique that the framework reads well but contains no numbers, KPIs or concrete steps, making it hard to hold anyone accountable against it in 10 years' time.
"The framework would be stronger if it committed to at least some measurable targets. Even rough ones. Right now it could have been written by any council in the country."
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