2026/2027 Annual Plan
Our Annual Plan outlines the mahi (work) Council is proposing for the coming financial year, and how it will be funded, including what has changed from the Long Term Plan, how much it would cost, and how those costs would be shared.
This Annual Plan covers the financial year from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, which is year three of the LTP 2024–34.
What was decided?
We adopted our Annual Plan and Financial Contributions for 2026/27 on Thursday, 25 June 2026. The final Schedule of Fees and Charges for the 2026/27 financial year was adopted on 28 May 2026.
Council approved the final plan, and a rates increase of 5.1% (for existing ratepayers). This is down from the 8.13% consulted on with the community in March, and lower than the 8.64% increase (for existing ratepayers) that was planned for this year in the Long Term Plan 2024-2034.
Please view our Decision Document below to find details of the decisions Council has made on key issues our communities raised during the Annual Plan consultation, including concurrent consultations on the Schedule of Fees and Charges, Financial Contributions, and the Policy for Setting Rent for Community Organisations Using Council Land and Buildings. For your information you may wish to view the Consultation Document and see the topics and items consulted on. Following documents come into effect on 1 July 2026 and can be viewed below:
What it means for my rates?
The first instalment invoice of your 2026-27 rates will be sent out in August 2026 and will be due on 24 September 2026. The second instalment will be sent out in February 2027 and will be due on 24 March 2027. For more information on how to pay your rates visit our Rates page.
The chart below provides the changes for a range of sample properties of different types across the district. These examples are a guide only. Rates for individual properties will vary depending on factors such as capital value, property type, and the services provided.
As part of our transition to a new financial system, the Property and Rates Search page is temporarily unavailable. It will be available again mid July 2026, allowing you to view rating information for specific properties.
Annual Plan Deliberations and Adoption
May 28, 2026 Council meeting
For more information on Council Annual Plan Deliberations, you can watch the Council meeting recording from 28 May 2026 or read the Council Meeting agenda and minutes here: Agenda of Council - Thursday, 28 May 2026
June 25, 2026 Council meeting
For more information on Council Annual Plan Adoption, you can watch the Council meeting recording from 25 June 2026 or read the Council Meeting agenda and minutes here: Agenda of Council - Thursday, 25 June 2026
Annual Plan this year
The Annual Plan 2026/27 is year three of the Long Term Plan 2024-2034. It is our opportunity to update the budget and share the mahi (work) we are planning in your community for the year ahead (1 July 2026 – 30 June 2027)
In preparing this plan, we reviewed the Long Term Plan and considered what needs to change based on current circumstances and community feedback. That includes reviewing budgets, doing the basics better, finding improved ways to deliver services, and setting rates. Our commitment stands in delivering the projects and priorities we set in the Long Term Plan 2024-34, but also adapting as necessary
We are focused on delivering the essentials our community needs and delivering what we agreed with the community through the Long Term Plan. Council consulted the community on key budget and service changes, including roading, water charges, rates, Community Board funding, community roading projects, and a fluoride-free water tap at Waihī Beach. After considering feedback, trade-offs, and financial impacts, Council made a number of measured decisions to set rates but also help reduce the impact on households.
What did we consult on?
We are focused on listening to our community, getting the basics right in delivering the core services our communities rely on, investing in the infrastructure we need, and managing our finances responsibly whilst balancing investments for the future.
Investing in our roading network
Fair and equitable water charging
Funding Community Boards
Discretionary roading projects funding
Fluoride-free tap in Waihī Beach
Total rates impact and ideas of where savings could be made
Other decisions
Council also made decisions about:
- Tourism Bay of Plenty Place Brand Project
- Spencer Ave culvert upgrade
- Water Services project re-alignment
- Kerbside Pay As You Throw Tag price increase
- Stormwater Pond at Highfields
- Waihī Beach Skatepark
- Preparing for a new water organisation
- Raymond Dam
- Regional Deal for Western Bay of Plenty
- Human Resource Systems
- Unifrom Annual General Charge rate
- New targeted rate for Te Puna School
- Te Puke Wastewater Treatment Plant
More information on the listed topics can be found in the Annual Plan 2026/27 Decision Document.
Schedule of Fees and Charges and Financial Contributions 2026/27
Council sets the fees and charges for its services annually and considers any public feedback as part of the Annual Plan 2026/27 process. The new fees and charges and financial contributions schedules will come into effect for the 1 July 2026 - 30 June 2027 financial year.
The purpose of reviewing the schedule of fees and charges is to ensure that each charge will recover the actual and reasonable costs. The review has considered the impacts of inflation on activity costs, looked to increase cost recovery for activities and services provided, and made changes to better reflect the services provided to the community.
Financial Contributions are enabled through the Resource Management Act 1991 and are used to help fund the infrastructure and facilities required to support growth. In reviewing the proposed schedule, Council noted that contributions vary across development area, with changes from last year, ranging from a 4.8% decrease to a 3.3% increase. These movements reflect updated assumptions, including inflation and interest rates, as well as changes to project timing, growth forecasts, and revenue received in prior years.
The full Schedule of Fees and Charges can be viewed here.
The full Schedule of Financial Contributions can be viewed here.
Financial Contributions Disclosure Tables can be viewed here.
Annual Plan Process Timeline
The Annual Plan 2026/27 was developed through a structured process designed to support decision-making, meaningful community engagement, and consideration of feedback. This reflects Council’s commitment to inclusive engagement, informed decision-making, and its statutory responsibilities.
