Improving and repairing Wairoa’s roading network was a key investment area for the Wairoa District Council in 2025/26.

Council recently adopted its 2025/26 Annual Report, highlighting a capital investment of $37 million, of which $33 million was spent on transport, roading and bridge projects largely funded by NZTA.

The investment in connectivity aligns with the Council’s approach to increasing its roading resilience to keep communities well connected and accessible.

Council recorded a net operating surplus of $24.7 million for 2025/26, which was used to improve or replace assets, particularly roading improvements over the year.

The total revenue collected by Council was $74.2 million, with 61% from subsidies and grants (primarily NZTA, Kānoa, DIA), 32% from rates ($24 million), and 6% from fees and charges (e.g., dog registrations, building consents, landfill).

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said other highlights of the 2025/26 year included the completion of the new permanent Te Reinga Bridge, starting work on the replacement Waikari Bridge on Glenbrook Road, the new and relocated Wairoa Visitor Information Centre, which now sits in a more centralised location on the main street, and securing $4.2 million in external funding for the Wairoa Airport upgrade.

“We also focused on three waters improvements, including starting the Lahore Street water main upgrade and waste management work, including on-site work at the Fraser Street landfill to enable waste to be loaded and transported to Ōmarunui in Hastings and the opening of the new purpose-built Mahia recycling centre.

“The council delivered a strong year, delivering core services under budget and not spending where we don’t have to. Total borrowings at the end of the financial year stood at $9.5 million, down from $9.6m the previous year. We have been prudent in our spending, and while some projects have been held back, we have also been able to maintain a healthy debt position as we work to a strict fiscal policy which is being shared at the Council table on a regular basis.”

To read the full Annual Report head click the link below

Annual Report

11 November 2026

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