A robust review of Council costs, with a focus on identifying efficiencies while delivering outcomes, has led to Wairoa District Council achieving the lowest rates increase in Hawke’s Bay for the 2026-27 year.

Today, the Council adopted its Annual Plan and set the rates for the 2026/27 year with an average increase of 2.8%.  

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said this is significantly lower than forecast but has not reduced the levels of service that the Council provides.

“Our Council has focused on creating efficiencies while improving outcomes by strengthening its commitment to tightening budgets, reviewing planned projects, and looking closely at how it operates. This has included smarter use of existing resources, securing external funding and improving efficiency across the organisation.

“In fact, with works carried over, the average rates for Wairoa township residential homes connected to all Council services will see a reduction by 0.3%, commercial properties up by 1.5%, forestry down by 1%, and rural up by 0.3%.

“Limiting the increase is a balance between keeping rates affordable for our community, strengthening resilience by investing appropriately in our infrastructure assets and facilities, and delivering the necessary levels of service. It also aligns with Central Government's direction and supports getting back to providing basic core services.”

Wairoa District Council Chief Executive Matt Lawson said the Council is constantly striving to improve, be proactive and get superior results for ratepayers. “We are focusing on streamlining and simplifying some of the Council’s processes, such as procurement and contract management, while building in-house capacity and training our staff in skills such as project and contract management. We are also focused on going back to basics, such as more regular servicing of the stormwater system, to ensure the network is better prepared.  Long-term, we are looking to achieve cost savings by trialling innovative technology to enable ultraviolet disinfection of our wastewater.

“We have also continued to attract funding for emergency roading works as well as external funding for projects like the airport runway extension and upgrade.

“Another key focus area is user pays. We have been tracking and reviewing paid-for services which may result in budgets, rather than fees, being reduced in some areas and fees increased to match the service delivery in other areas.”

Mr Lawson said that work continues to establish the Wairoa Water Services Council Controlled Organisation (CCO), which is a direct result of the Central Government’s Local Waters Done Well Legislative framework. “This will impact residents served by reticulated water, wastewater, and stormwater services, with targeted charges to ensure that the costs of providing these services are funded by those who receive them. The revenue from these targeted water charges will be collected by the CCO to help fund day‑to‑day operations, ongoing maintenance, and essential investment in water infrastructure.

“Council will now begin developing its Long-Term Plan (LTP), which is a key strategic document for Council and the Wairoa community for the next 10 years. Preparation of the LTP requires community engagement and consultation, and we look forward to meeting with our community to hear their thoughts and help shape the future of the Wairoa District.”

1 July 2026

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