Western Bay Council Seeks Feedback on Draft Annual Plan with 8.13% Rates Rise

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is holding drop-in sessions across the district, giving residents the chance to kōrero with councillors, community board members, and staff about its Draft Annual Plan 2026/2027. The plan, approved by councillors last week, proposes a total rates increase of 8.13% for existing ratepayers — lower than the 8.64% increase signalled in the Long Term Plan 2024–2034.

A significant portion of the proposed increase — $5.8 million — is earmarked for roading, covering services such as roadside mowing, vegetation control, and general road maintenance. Mayor James Denyer acknowledged that households are under financial pressure, but cautioned that holding rates too low risks delaying essential maintenance and pushing costs onto future ratepayers. "This is about finding a careful and responsible balance," he said.

Residents in Katikati can attend a drop-in session this Sunday, 29 March, from 9am to 11am at the Katikati Farmers Market. The Ōmokoroa-Kaimai session is on Tuesday, 7 April, from 6pm to 8pm at the council's Barkes Corner office. Key issues the community is being asked to weigh in on include the extra road funding, a proposed 15% increase in water-use charges (from $1.75 to $2.01 per cubic metre), community board funding arrangements, and the possibility of a fluoride-free public water tap at the Waihī Beach Water Treatment Plant.

Community feedback remains open until 5pm on 20 April. Submissions can be made online at yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/annual-plan-2026-27, by email to yourplace@westernbay.govt.nz, or in person at a council hearing on 23 April — those wishing to speak must register by 20 April.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).