​South Waikato District Council Adopts 2025-26 Annual Plan

South Waikato District Council on Wednesday 25 June formally adopted its 2025-26 Annual Plan, confirming an average rates increase of 8.9%, a figure consistent with the direction set in the 2024–34 Long Term Plan (LTP).

The 8.9% average rates increase is driven by increased costs in delivering core services, inflation, and investment in critical infrastructure. The Council continues to explore efficiencies and reduce overheads where possible to ease pressure on ratepayers.

Council’s priorities for 2025-26 remain focused on achieving financial sustainability in the near future, whilst still ensuring assets are properly maintained and services continue to be delivered for our community. Mayor Gary Petley says this is a careful balancing act. “While not everyone will agree with where we have tipped the balance, that’s where the hard decisions come in – staying true to our priority of ensuring future generations inherit a vibrant, growing District. Putting rates increases ahead of inflation was a difficult decision and one I acknowledge has been difficult for ratepayers, many of whom are already grappling with the rising cost of living,” he said.

The Annual Plan reflects Council’s commitment to delivering core services and planning for the District’s future, while remaining fiscally responsible.

“We are continuing to deliver on our Growth Strategy for South Waikato and in 2025-26 Council’s focus will be on introducing changes to our District Plan that will enable development of additional land for residential and industrial activities in Tīrau, Putāruru and Tokoroa,” says Mayor Petley.

Key points from the Annual Plan 2025-26

• Adoption of an average rate increase of 8.9% in line with year two of the 2024-34 Long Term Plan (LTP).
• Focus on maintaining the financial strategy set in the Long Term Plan.
• In 2025-26 we are continuing the comprehensive renewal programme of our drinking water infrastructure, as well as identifying improvements to our reservoirs and implementing appropriate upgrades to protect our water security.
• Upgrade to the South Waikato Indoor Pools facility will continue into the 2025-26 Annual Plan year.
• To keep operational costs affordable for ratepayers, Council has again budgeted for an operating efficiency of 1%. This amounts to a further $960,000.

View the full 2025/26 Annual Plan here.