Roadside mowing to be more frequent in the Western Bay
Grass berms and median islands in the Western Bay will be mown more often, after a decision by Council yesterday.
Western Bay of Plenty District Councillors voted unanimously to increase roadside mowing in urban areas, between now and June 2026, to an average of 12 times a year.
The increased level of service will cost an additional $225,000 this financial year.
Earlier this year, Council decided to reduce roadside mowing from up to 16 times a year, to around six times a year, to save costs and avoid going over budget.
This was partly due to NZ Transport Agency providing less funding assistance than anticipated for some local road maintenance activities, including vegetation. Parks and reserves were unaffected as they are funded differently.
However, Council decided to review this reduced mowing frequency, following dissatisfaction from the community about long grass and untidy berms.
“We heard clearly from the community that they were not happy with the level of service we were providing, so we moved quickly to address this,” says Mayor James Denyer.
Yesterday’s decision aims to strike a balance between affordability and public expectation, he says.
“We know people value well-kept streets and neighbourhoods, and that mowing plays a part in how places look, feel and function day to day. At the same time, we need to be mindful of costs and make sure we’re delivering services in a way that’s fair and sustainable for ratepayers.”
Going forward, longer-term mowing frequency will be considered as part of next year’s Annual Plan process, with any further agreed changes taking effect from 1 July 2026, when the new rates are set.
Bringing mowing frequency back up to 2024/25 levels (up to 16 times a year in urban areas) would require a 1%-2% rate increase, or sourcing $1million - $1.5 million from other areas.
“This will be part of a broader conversation with the community – about the services Council provides, what matters most to people, and the choices involved in funding and prioritising them,” says Mayor James.
