Rates rise as council adopts annual plan

The rates for existing rateable properties has gone up by 6.99% in the Manawatū district for 2022-23.

The Manawatū District Council, in April, voted to adopt the 2022-23 Annual Plan, which proposed the increase to maintain its current levels of service.

According to the Annual Plan, the total increase in rates required to run council business for 2022-23 is 8.69%.

However, due to population growth, the required increase was spread across ratepayers, meaning the total rates increase in the district compared with last year is 6.99%.

The plan also proposed to take forward significant projects including the redevelopment of the Feilding Library, development of a new park in Roots St, upgrades to Kōwhai Park, wastewater centralisation and a new Feilding water supply.

Mayor Helen Worboys said the level of increase would put pressure on ratepayers’ budgets but it was less than that of many other councils.

‘‘Unfortunately council, along with everyone else, is not immune to cost pressures such as inflation and rising fuel prices.

‘‘It’s important that we make a start on these projects so that we can capitalise on the $8 billion that is being invested into the wider region, such as the Te Ahu a Turanga (Manawatū Tararua) Highway, Base hakea expansion and the Central NZ Distribution Hub.’’

The change for individual ratepayers would vary based on the location and type of property owned and the council services received.

People on lower incomes are entitled to rates rebates.

Information about this is available on the council’s website.