Where Your Rates Are Going in 2025-26: SWDC’s Annual Plan in Focus

How Rates Will Be Spent

Your rates help fund a wide range of services and infrastructure that support daily life and promote long-term growth in our communities. From maintaining roads and supplying clean water, to running libraries and protecting natural resources, each dollar is carefully allocated to deliver essential outcomes across the District. Below is a breakdown of the key areas where your rates will be invested in 2025-26.

Water Supply, Wastewater and Stormwater - 32% (This is made up of: Water Supply 9%, Wastewater 20% & Stormwater 3%)

• The Council manages six water supply schemes - four urban (Tokoroa, Putāruru, Tīrau, Arapuni) and two rural (Lichfield, Athol) - with 10 reservoirs, 10 bore pumps, and 228km of pipelines.
• Council owns and operates wastewater collection and treatment systems in Tokoroa, Putāruru, Tīrau, and Arapuni. Wastewater is collected and treated to high environmental standards before being safely discharged. These essential services run 24/7 to protect public health, the environment, and the wellbeing of all residents.
• Stormwater networks across the four main communities collect and manage rainwater runoff. Pipes, channels, and treatment devices like gross pollutant traps ensure safe discharge into natural waterways, protecting people and property from flooding and contamination.

Leisure & Wellbeing Services - 27%

These services support the District’s long-term economic stability and community wellbeing.

They cover:

• South Waikato Indoor Pool Renewal and Upgrade
• Public swimming pools and libraries in Tokoroa, Putāruru, and Tīrau.
• Parks and reserves across the District.
• The South Waikato Sport and Events Centre.
• Economic and community development initiatives.

Transport & Roading - 15%

Council is responsible for maintaining the District’s roading and footpath network (excluding state highways). Funding will ensure infrastructure is maintained, renewed where needed, and meets safety and quality standards. The Council also maximises NZTA co-funding to support this work. A safe, accessible network is essential for daily life, emergency services, and business growth.

Governance - 11%

Governance funding supports:

• Democracy Services – Elected member support and community engagement.
• Iwi Liaison – Strengthening partnerships with iwi and Māori.
• Business Support – Online services and internal systems.
• Property – Community buildings and pensioner housing.
• Civil Defence – Emergency management and response.

Solid Waste & Recycling - 8%

Council supports waste minimisation and environmental protection under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008. This includes kerbside collections, transfer stations, and public education. The Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (WMMP), last updated in 2022, guides this work through to 2028.

Regulatory - 5%

Regulatory Services focus on safety, sustainability, and compliance.

Key functions include:

• Resource Management - Protecting natural resources.
• Building Control - Managing consents and compliance.
• Animal Control - Dog registration and public safety.
• Health & Alcohol Licensing - Ensuring food and alcohol premises meet health standards.

Strategy - 2%

Strategic Services support long-term planning, including:

• Growth Planning - Ensuring land is available for housing and business.
• Strategic Planning - Aligning resources with community aspirations.
• Infrastructure Strategy - Planning for future investment and asset management.

STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS

• Growth Enablement - Unlocking land for housing and industry in Tīrau, Putāruru, and Tokoroa.
• Efficiency Drive - Targeting $960,000 in operational savings.
• Infrastructure Resilience - Prioritising long-term upgrades to water and wastewater systems.

“These investments are essential to ensure South Waikato remains a vibrant, resilient, and future-ready District,” said Mayor Gary Petley.

This year’s Annual Plan reflects Council’s commitment to delivering core services, planning for growth, and responding to new legislative requirements, all while balancing affordability for ratepayers. Whether it's roads, water, or community services, every dollar is being directed toward a stronger future for South Waikato.

For more on what the above includes, see pages 11 – 19 of the Annual Plan.