2025/2026 Annual Plan
Annual Plan this year
The Annual Plan 2025/26 is year two of the Long Term Plan 2024-34. It is our chance to refresh information on budgets for the coming financial year and setting out the mahi (work) we are planning to do in your community over the next 12 months (1 July 2025 – 30 June 2026).
Through the development of the Annual Plan we consider what was outlined in the Long Term Plan and assess what changes are needed to reflect current circumstances. This includes the setting of rates.
We are committed to delivering the programme of work we set in our Long Term Plan 2024-34. Since adopting the plan in September 2024, we have been working hard to progress the projects that matter most to our community.
Despite economic challenges, legislative uncertainties, and a slowdown in the construction sector, we're keeping budget changes to a minimum. These adjustments reflect more accurate costs and timings, ensuring we stay on track with our commitments.
Why didn't we consult?
The Annual Plan sets out in detail the work we are planning to undertake in your community over the next 12 months (1 July 2025– 30 June 2026), and as you can see there are no big changes from what was outlined in the 2024-2034 Long Term Plan (LTP).
A series of amendments were made to the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act) in 2014 to encourage new ways of consulting and communicating with the community and focus on the major matters.
One of these amendments removed the requirement for councils to formally consult “if there are no significant or material differences to the content of the long-term plan”. This now makes formal consultation on proposed annual plans exceptions based.
How do we determine what’s significant?
Section 95 of the Local Government Act 2002 sets out the requirements for consultation on an Annual Plan.
The Council is required to have a significance and engagement policy under Section 76AA of the Local Government Act 2002. The Policy is reviewed every three years as part of long-term plans.
Significance is more than a financial impact and often items with low value but that have high public interest can be significant.
Significance is ultimately determined by the elected members – read our Significance and Engagement Policy on our website (Significance and Engagement Policy)
Development of Draft Annual Plan
The Annual Plan and Long Term Plan Committee made key decisions on the development of the Annual Plan at its meeting on 26 February 2025. To see the full agenda, recording and minutes please go here.
The Committee decided to include funding in the draft Annual Plan for the following:
- Repairs to ensure the Katikati Arts Junction building is weathertight and remains fit for purpose.
- Implementation of an Enterprise Resource Planning cloud software solution specific to local government.
- Staged implementation of the concept plans for Beach Road Boat Ramp and Surrounds, and Tahawai reserves.
- Allocated budget for Pongakawa Bush Road Resilience improvements.
The Committee has also:
- Agreed on our approach to transportation funding, considering the NZ Transport Agency's/Waka Kotahi's funding decision.
- Deferred roofing the Dave Hume Pool until 2033 due to escalating costs.
