Annual Plan 2025-26 adopted
Published on 04 July 2025
Whangarei District Council has adopted its Annual Plan 2025-26.
Annual Plan 2025-26(PDF, 32MB)
Council has followed the course agreed in year two of the Long Term Plan 2024-34, pulling back slightly on the general rates increase.
It has also introduced a new stormwater targeted rate, at a lower level than initially signaled.
The general rates increase has dropped from 10.7% to 9.7%, acknowledging the tough economic environment and financial hardships facing many ratepayers.
While Council considered a few changes to rating policy, it decided to stick with the current system this year and recommended a Rates Review be completed as part of the preliminary developments for the Long Term Plan 2027-37.
Mayor Vince Cocurullo said the public made almost 800 submissions on the annual plan and fees and charges, with 33 choosing to speak at Council.
"We appreciate the time and effort people gave to make their sincere concerns heard and we have responded as well as we can."
In response to public feedback, Council decided not to provide temporary rates relief for farmed business-zoned land.
Specific requests for funding from several communities were considered.
Council decided the request for $3.5 million towards an indoor sports facility as part of stage 2 of the Ruakākā Recreation Centre development, would be considered during development of the Long Term Plan 2027-37.
Glenbervie School requested funding in 2025-26 for a road safety barrier next to the school. Council instructed staff to work with the Ministry of Education and to bring a proposal back to the Infrastructure Committee in August. This will be considered for High-Risk Rural Roads Safety Improvements Budget funding.
Hikurangi is to get a new footpath on the western side of King Street, from the Four Square to Union Street. The footpath will be funded through the Elected Member Community Projects capital expenditure budget and local contractors will be encouraged to apply for the contract.