Rates model not sustainable
Projected rate increases a wake-up call for the country
Kā piti is not alone amongst councils across the country facing the pressures of rising costs, for themselves and for their ratepayers. The current system is not fit-for-purpose and needs to be changed.
Sam Broughton, president of Local Government New Zealand, recently commented on these pressures, saying the current rates model is “not sustainable”.
“The rates proposed in the LTPs are necessary to fund existing services and essential infrastructure, and while councils are always acutely aware of the need to balance the level of investment needed with affordable increases, the pressure on councils has reached the tipping point.”
The projected rate increases across the country are surely a wakeup call for the country, that the current model is not working and that we need to work to create a model which is sustainable and affordable.
The cancellation of the water reforms has added to the problem. Across the Wellington region and
with our neighbours to the north, we are looking at ways we can create models which will benefit us all. In the meantime, we need to continue our programme of work to deliver our water services.
Wellington City Council has recently decided to cut many services to deal with their water infrastructure deficit. At least here in Kā piti, we have invested in our water assets, so we don’t have the problems that some of our neighbours are experiencing.
We currently deliver many services that contribute to the wellbeing of our community, and we’re planning some projects which our community has told us are important, for example the new Waikanae Library and Community Hub. Council has been weighing up carefully those projects and services against affordability for our community.
These are outlined in the LongTerm Plan consultation document which will be going out soon, and I
encourage everyone to let us know what you think. What could we stop or cut to reduce costs? Have we got our priorities and financial strategy right?
On a lighter note, the Otaki ¯ Kite Festival was once again a huge success on the weekend. Thanks to the Ō taki Promotions Group and the many volunteers who make this festival a wonderful day for the community and visitors, and an iconic event which brings economic benefit to the district.