STDC rates to rise 11.29%
Unprecedented and unavoidable cost increases mean South Taranaki District ratepayers face a likely 11.29% rates increase this year.
It’s the first time in recent years that the annual increase has not been the lowest of the three districts, with STDC in the middle this year.
New Plymouth District ratepayers are facing an average 9.9% increase, and Stratford District’s proposed rates increase is 15.5%. In 2023, South Taranaki rates rose by 7.19%, Stratford’s rates went up 8.9%, and New Plymouth rates rose by 12.4%.
The Taranaki Regional Council is proposing an overall rates increase of 16.3% for 2024-25. In 2023, its rates rose by 15%.
South Taranaki mayor Phil Nixon said skyrocketing costs were affecting councils right across the country. The council was facing a 20% increase in costs across the board.
“Councils are acutely aware they need to balance the need for investment with affordable increases, but the pressure has reached a tipping point, and I think we need to have a national conversation about local government funding, including the value of the services councils provide to communities,” Nixon said.
According to Local Government New Zealand figures, of 48 councils surveyed, almost 80% are proposing rate increases above 12%, with the average being a 15.3% increase. Civil construction costs were up an average 27% over the last three years, bridges are 38% more expensive to build than three years ago, roads and water supply systems are 27% more expensive, and sewerage systems are 30% more expensive to build than three years ago.
The South Taranaki council’s draft long term plan (LTP), which is out for public feedback until May 6, was about maintaining the district’s momentum while also looking after its assets, Nixon said.
“The big challenge for us is how we afford to do this at a time when local government is facing unprecedented cost increases.
“Local government inflation has risen by around 20% over the last two years, and continues to rise.”
Australian skate park design company Convic has been awarded the contract to build the next phase of the multi-million-dollar upgrade of Otupaiia Marine Park in Waitara.
In a report before the New Plymouth District Council’s strategic projects committee, it was revealed that a contract with Convic has been signed for the design and construction of a new skate park, which is expected to be opened in December.
While Convic has its head office in Richmond, the company is also based in Melbourne, Singapore and Dubai.
Described as a world leader in skate park and youth space solutions, Convic has led more than 800 projects across Australia, New Zealand, China, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.
In the report, the council said three design and build contractors had submitted concept designs which were taken to the community for feedback.
Convic’s design was selected as the overall winner.
Construction of the skate park is expected to begin in October and be completed by December, the same time phase one of New Plymouth’s new $6 million Destination Play development is due to open at Kawaroa.
The first stage of the Otupaiia Marine Park upgrade was completed last year with the opening of sheltered barbecue areas, and the skate park was next on the agenda.
The project will also include volleyball and basketball courts, a pump track, a playground and water area, and a redeveloped boat ramp that will turn the park, which will soon be linked to the Coastal Walkway, into a genuine regional destination.
The report also highlighted the next stages in the upgrade, with funding secured for a new carpark, the pump track and a planned youth zone and nature play area, with planning about to start.
The redevelopment project was the first of its kind connected to a co-management relationship between the council and Te
Kōwhatu Tū Moana (TKTM).
TKTM, a trust controlled by Otaraua and Manukorihi hapū, was responsible for receiving assets and rights acquired under the New Plymouth District Council (Waitara Lands) Act.