We’re making sure that the properties owned by Council are being used in the best way possible.

In 2024, following community direction to reduce spending and make smarter use of resources, Tararua District Council commenced a review of community buildings, reserves, and council-owned land. The review focused on identifying opportunities for cost savings, including reducing future rates, maintenance, and insurance costs, through the assessment of underused properties and non-operational land across the district.

Of the current 7.29% average rates increase, 2.7% relates to cost increases in maintenance and insurance costs of facilities such as buildings, parks and reserves.

We asked independent experts to take a fresh look at how these properties are used, and they’ve worked with our teams to assess 28 properties, excluding key facilities like Domain Board-managed buildings, public conveniences, and sports pavilions.

We discovered that some properties are not used very much, or they cost more to maintain than they give back to the community.

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What is going to happen next?

First, we’re having a conversation with people who are MOST impacted by this proposal – that’s people who use the spaces and our iwi partners.

Then, after we’ve checked in with these groups, we will invite our communities to join the conversation by asking for feedback.

We’ll announce when feedback opens and how people can take part. There will be no sale of these properties until we have heard community feedback.

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What are the 4 properties proposed for change of use or sale?

• 39 Ransom Street - Dannevirke (leased land)
• 39 Gregg Street - Dannevirke (leased land)
• 16 Bengston Street (land parcel behind the museum) - Eketāhuna
• 53 Denmark Street - Dannevirke (rural bus depot building).

Important note: This project was previously referred to as “Rationalisation of Council Buildings” or “Land Rationalisation” – we’ve simplified the name as we move to having conversations with our communities. Please keep this in mind if you are keenly interested in this subject and plan to seek further information by searching council minutes and agendas:

https://tararua.infocouncil.biz/ or 
https://www.tararuadc.govt.nz/publications/agendas-and-minutes