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Monday, 16 March 2026

Council to consider draft Annual Plan for 2026-2027

If approved, consultation on the draft Annual Plan will begin on 20 March. 

Report Graph

Queenstown Lakes District Councillors will be asked to consider and approve the Draft Annual Plan 2026-2027 consultation document and supporting information at the full Council meeting this Thursday, 19 March.

The Draft Annual Plan makes adjustments against the budget set out for Year 3 of the Long Term Plan 2024-2034 (LTP) and includes details of progress made to deliver the plan to date.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) General Manager Corporate Services, Meaghan Miller said considerable progress had been made to deliver the LTP, against a very challenging backdrop of financial constraints, government reform and consistently high growth.  

“Some highlights over the past year include progressing negotiations on a Regional Deal, commencing the establishment of a Water Services Council Controlled Organisation, completing a future review of the Wānaka Airport, settling on Stage 1 of the Lakeview development, starting or progressing significant water supply and wastewater conveyance and treatment plant upgrades.” 

“This is along with some outstanding work to plant over 80,000 native trees and begin construction of a trail network at Project Tohu - the former Coronet Forest site, new playgrounds and finalising some important strategy work in the waste minimisation and climate and biodiversity space,” she said.

The proposed average rates increase for 2026-2027 is 11.6%, after allowing for 3.5% growth in the rating database.   

QLDC General Manager Assurance, Finance and Risk, Katherine Harbrow said the proposed average rates rise is consistent with what was proposed for year 3 of the LTP.

“It wasn’t easy to get to this point, with significant work required to reduce this figure from 19% and ensure it remained aligned with our original projection.  This was achieved through carefully considering every project planned for the 2026-2027 year, extending loan repayments, using income from the transport improvement fund and finding operational savings,” she said. 

“Importantly, 11.6% is an average figure for the district.  The actual increase may be different depending on where you live, the type of property you own and which services you access.  In particular, we’d like to highlight higher proposed increases for those living in the small communities of Hāwea, Cardrona and Kingston, due to required investment in essential water and wastewater infrastructure.  Residents in those areas will be provided with more information about the increases,” she said.

“We know that rates rises can be unsettling.  It’s a tough proposition, especially when household budgets are tight. The Council is also facing considerable cost increases which don’t necessarily match the consumer price index (CPI) and has worked hard to minimise the size of any increase in rates.”

“Increases in some user fees such as building consents, animal registration, and sport and recreational services, among others are also proposed. Keeping the balance between general rate funding and direct user fees is an important part of spreading the load appropriately,” she said. 

While residents and ratepayers will be able to submit on any aspect of the Draft Annual Plan, there are some key topics included in the draft consultation document, including:

  • proposed changes to user fees and charges

  • priority projects for the Wānaka–Upper Clutha ward

  • early thinking to inform the Long Term Plan 2027–2037

If approved, consultation on the draft Annual Plan will begin on 20 March.  Detailed information, including a how to make a submission and opportunities to talk directly to Councillors, will be available online at https://letstalk.qldc.govt.nz/ap-26-27 from this date.  

ENDS | KUA MUTU.

Media contact

communications@qldc.govt.nz

TEL: 03 441 1802

FURTHER INFORMATION | KĀ PĀROKO TĀPIRI

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