Mayor's column – Recovery, reform and the choices ahead
Published on 09 March 2026
A fortnightly column by Whangārei Mayor Ken Couper.
We are well into the year now and a significant amount of work is already underway across our District.
Nationally, the focus has been on infrastructure pressure and community resilience, alongside a major reform programme that will influence how councils operate in the years ahead.
These conversations are important but, while they continue, Council still has its core responsibilities here in Whangārei. That work does not pause.
Rates options for the Annual Plan 2026-27
Deputy Mayor Scott McKenzie is leading our Annual Plan process, which opened for consultation on Wednesday 4 March and closes on Friday 3 April 2026.
Three options are before the community, each reflecting the economic outlook, the pressures on households and businesses, and the need to balance affordability with long-term financial sustainability.
We are encouraging residents to provide feedback because the choices made now will shape the coming year.
Have your say on rates
Option A reduces the previously signalled rates increase by half, resulting in a 5% general rates increase. This maintains current service levels while recognising the pressure that many households are under. It does, however, create a $6 million shortfall that would need to be managed through a mix of efficiencies and borrowing.
Option B also proposes a 5% increase but adjusts sector shares so commercial and industrial ratepayers face a lower increase. This acknowledges the bigger share businesses currently pay, and the challenging economic conditions businesses are operating in. This supports confidence and activity in our city centre and other commercial areas. Like Option A, it carries a $6 million shortfall.
Option C retains the 10.1% increase signalled in the Long Term Plan. Financially, this places Council in the strongest long‑term position and reduces reliance on borrowing at a time when economic uncertainty remains high.
Each option involves trade-offs. These decisions are about ensuring Whangārei can continue delivering essential services while preparing responsibly for the future. That is why community feedback is important so please make a submission.
The independent financial review, led by our Chair of Finance, Cr. Paul Yovich, is progressing well and will support these conversations by giving us a clearer picture of where efficiencies can be made and how we can strengthen our financial position ahead of the next Long Term Plan.
From emergency response to recovery
The recent weather event has again tested our District and has added to an already demanding workload. We have now moved from emergency response into recovery, and recovery is long‑tailed work that takes time.
Our staff have continued their normal responsibilities while stepping into emergency roles, and the leadership shown by General Manager Victoria Harwood, Tony Phipps and their teams has been outstanding.
Our road crews and local contractors responded immediately under pressure, guided by oversight from General Manager Jim Sephton and our Chair of Infrastructure, Cr. Brad Flower.
This week’s announcement of an additional $100,000 for the Emergency Recovery Fund is welcome support for the wider community recovery. Applications for this fund closed on Sunday 15 March 2026.
The substantial costs of repairing our roading network sit outside that fund and are currently being met from existing roading budgets while we wait for confirmation on our share of Central Government’s emergency roading fund.
Reforms remain a focus
Reforms remain a major focus in the background.
Water reform is moving through to its next stage, with Northland’s district councils working together ahead of key decisions later this month.
Our elected members on the steering group, Cr. Paul Yovich, Cr. Deb Harding and myself, continue to keep councillors closely informed.
RMA reform continues at pace, supported by the experience and steady guidance of Cr. Crichton Christie.
Broader local government reforms are also beginning to unfold, and we will keep the community updated as more details become available.
It has been an intense start to the year, with significant demands on both staff and elected members. Everyone has responded to the workload, and the ability to move together in the same direction has been essential.
Debate around the Council table can be robust, as it should be, but with mutual respect, we aim to conduct ourselves in a way the community can be proud of. This will serve us well as we manage recovery, reform and growth.