Kia Ora,

This week, Council approved our Annual Budget, and the numbers tell an important story right from the outset.

In the Long Term Plan, this year’s rates increase was projected at 11.84%. Through the hard work we’ve done over recent months, the increase we approved is an average of 4.83%. We know any increase is tough, but we have done everything we can to keep it as low as possible.

Landing at an average of 4.83% has not happened by accident. Since coming into office, affordability has been our top priority. That has meant doing things differently and taking a more disciplined and practical approach to how Council operates.

We have gone back to basics, taken a hard look at costs, and focused on finding more efficient ways to deliver core services.

The result is a budget that is tighter than what was previously projected. We have reduced operating costs, made careful use of reserves, and taken a pragmatic approach to managing our assets and services. I am incredibly grateful to our staff for the work they have put in so we could achieve this outcome.

It is important to be upfront though. A large portion of the remaining increase is driven by factors outside of Council’s control, particularly interest costs and depreciation. Depreciation is the money we set aside to ensure we can maintain and replace core infrastructure like roads, pipes, and community facilities over time.

You will also notice that we are not formally consulting on this Annual Budget. We heard our community loud and clear during the election campaign so this year, our focus has been on getting the basics right and avoiding new projects or major changes so we could carefully watch our finances.

Instead, we are putting our energy into preparing for the Long Term Plan. This is where we will take a broader look at the future of the district and have a full conversation with the community about priorities, direction, investment, and ensuring we can make affordability sustainable.

The Long Term Plan is where those bigger conversations belong, and some of them will be difficult. It gives us the opportunity to step back, think longer term, and work alongside the community to shape the direction of the Tararua District.

For now, this Annual Budget is about discipline, focus, and responsibility. It reflects a Council that has listened, made careful choices, and is working hard to deliver the core services our communities expect, while keeping affordability front and centre.

Ngā mihi nui, many thanks.

Scott Gilmore - Mayor.