Regional rates increase 4.2pc

The Waikato Regional Council is seeking feedback on its proposed rates hike of 4.2 per cent.

But it will be higher for some ratepayers in the lower Waikato and Waihou Piako areas, largely due to flooding.

The council is urging residents to submit feedback on the draft 10-year-plan.

The increase for the first year of the plan includes general rates, the annual general charge, natural heritage, regional services and civil defence.

For 82 per cent of ratepayers, the the rise will be less than $50 per year.

Regional council chairman Alan Livingston said demands on council budgets meant costs needed to increase.

Ratepayers are being asked to give formal feedback on the budget allocations currently proposed by council.

The plan for a Waikato regional theatre is one subject that has come under the spotlight.

Council’s preferred option is to initially collect $5 million from the region to fund the capital component, and then collect $300,000 per year from the region toward the ongoing asset maintenance and reserve fund.

For the proposed Hamilton to Auckland rail service, Waikato Regional Council has suggested an interim service between the cities, with rating based on the capital value of the property.

This would cost $8 million annually, before an NZ Transport Agency subsidy is factored in.

Other service and infrastructure improvements are also required for the Waikato region, which ratepayers are encouraged to comment on also.

The consultation document is available to the public online.

‘‘Our flood protection assets are vital infrastructure, but they’re seriously expensive to maintain and renew,’’ Livingston said.

‘‘So, we’ve thought seriously about how we can pay for this work and keep rates affordable, especially for people in the Lower Waikato and Waihou-Piako catchments who benefit the most and therefore contribute the most towards the cost.

‘‘The plan continues to build on work we’ve been doing with our partners and communities, and tackles the big issues the region’s going to face.’’

An artist’s impression of what the interior spaces of the new Waikato Regional Theatre building could look like and how they would connect to the Waikato River.