Western Bay council adopts 2024/25 annual report with record investment

Western Bay of Plenty District Council has formally adopted its Annual Report for the 2024/25 financial year, covering the period from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025. The report highlights a record $134 million in capital investment — nearly triple that of previous years — while net debt climbed to $159 million, reflecting the scale of spending needed to support a growing district. Total income rose to $201.9 million over the same period.

Key achievements outlined in the report include major roading improvements in and around Ōmokoroa, the No. 1 Road upgrade in Te Puke, and replacement of the No. 4 Road bridge. New community spaces were also opened, including Te Ara Mātauranga, the Waihī Beach library and service centre, and Te Āhuru Mōwai o Hiria, an elder housing development in Katikati.

On the financial side, the council maintained a strong AA credit rating, turned the previous year's deficit into a surplus, and began rebuilding its savings reserves. Mayor James Denyer acknowledged both the achievements and the challenges faced during the year, with the council's performance measures designed to provide transparent and accountable reporting to the community.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).