NPDC adopts Annual Plan 2026/2027

NPDC has adopted its Annual Plan for 2026/27, delivering a total rates rise of 4.9 per cent, significantly lower than the 10.5 per cent originally included in the Long-Term Plan (2024-2034).

Following the decision at today’s Council meeting, New Plymouth District Mayor Max Brough said the plan balances community affordability with the need to continue investing in essential services and infrastructure.

“This Annual Plan is about striking the right balance. We know households and businesses are still feeling the pressure of rising costs, so keeping the rates increase as low as possible has been a key priority.”

Mayor Max acknowledged the significant effort behind the scenes to reach this point.

“I want to recognise the hard work of our staff in getting us to this point. Developing an Annual Plan in the current financial environment is no small task, and their focus on efficiency and innovation has been critical.”

The Annual Plan includes $272.4 million in operating expenditure and $123.5 million in capital spend (down from $149m included in the current Long-term Plan).

Mayor Max said achieving a lower rate increase required difficult decisions and a strong focus on priorities.

“The Council has taken a realistic approach to its capital programme, adjusting delivery to reflect current economic conditions and capacity constraints, including inflation and supply chain pressures. “

“It’s set the scene for where we want to go next and positions us well as we begin shaping our next 10-year plan, but I acknowledge that even a reduced rates increase will still be challenging for some households.”

The Annual Plan, which also includes new fees and charges for council services and activities, come in to effect on 1 July 2026, with ratepayers receiving their first quarterly rates instalment in August. 

Other key decisions from today’s meeting:

• The public will get a say on a proposal to amend the Dog Control Bylaw 2022 to allow dogs on leads in New Plymouth’s CBD. The bylaw is due for review next year, but councillors agreed to consider this change sooner. A consultation date is still to be confirmed.
  
• A new strategic framework and community outcomes (goals) for the Long-Term Plan 2027–2037 have been adopted.  Thriving Today, Resilient Tomorrow sets out a long-term vision and goals for the district and that council projects, services and policy development will be aligned. It will replace the current framework and vision, Sustainable Lifestyle Capital.
  
• A major milestone for our water services Council-Control Organisation Wai Hononga Water Services Ltd with its Statement of Expectations (SOE) and amendments to its constitution approved. The SOE explains how Council expects Wai Hononga Water Services Ltd will deliver for the community.
  
• The decision on the proposed Cemeteries and Crematoria Bylaw has been deferred to give councillors more time to consider verbal submissions presented today.

A copy of the full agenda and the reports are available on the council meetings section of our website.  A video recording of the meeting and the minutes will be available in the next few days.