Should Western Bay of Plenty District Council put an extra $5.8 million towards its local roads, including roadside mowing and road maintenance?
Should people in the district pay more for the water they use?
Western Bay of Plenty residents in Katikati and Ōmokoroa-Kaimai have the chance to attend drop-in sessions in their areas to give their feedback on the Draft Annual Plan 2026/2027, which was approved by councillors last week.
Katikati’s drop-in session is on this Sunday March 29, from 9am-11am at the Katikati Farmers Market.
Ōmokoroa-Kaimai’s drop-in session is on Tuesday April 7, from 6pm-8pm at Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s office at Barkes Corner.
Drop-in sessions would be held across the district, where people can kōrero (talk) with councillors, community board members and staff, the council said.
Drop-in sessions would be held at Maketū and Te Puke on March 28 and Waihī Beach held a session on March 21.
Rates increase of 8.13%
According to the council, its Draft Annual Plan 2026/2027 included a total rates increase of 8.13% for existing ratepayers. “This was lower than the 8.64% total rates increase planned for 2026/2027 in the Long-Term Plan 2024-2034,” the council said in a statement.
“Much of the proposed increase is made up of $5.8 million of additional funding required for our roads,” the council said.
“The actual rates impact per household will vary depending on property type, value, location and the services received.”
Western Bay Mayor James Denyer said the proposed budget reflects a year where the council has had to make careful decisions in a challenging economic environment.
“Households are under pressure, councils are being asked to do more with less, and expectations on service delivery remain high.
“This budget is about doing the basics well – keeping essential services running safely and reliably – while being upfront about the trade‑offs involved.”
The Annual Plan sets out the work the council is proposing for the coming financial year, how it would be funded and how costs would be shared across the district.
Key choices
The proposed budget included several key choices council is seeking community feedback on, including:
Roads – whether the council should invest an extra $5.8m to deliver essential roading services including roadside mowing and vegetation control.
Water – whether water charges should move further toward a user-pays approach, with a 15% increase per cubic metre of water used, from $1.75 to $2.01; or increase fixed charges by about $70 per connection annually.
Community boards – how community boards should be funded in a way that is fair and reflects updated boundaries across the district.
Local road projects – whether the council should make a reduction this year on some more discretionary local road projects and make use of unspent reserves that already exist.
Waihī Beach – whether to install a fluoride‑free public water tap at the Waihī Beach Water Treatment Plant to provide choice for residents and visitors.
Rates – if the proposed approach is reasonable and what the community may want to see the council prioritise, or where to look for additional savings.
“These are real decisions that will shape the year ahead,” Denyer said.
“We know any rates increase is difficult, but holding rates too low can create bigger problems later by delaying essential maintenance and pushing costs on to future ratepayers.
“This is about finding a careful and responsible balance, and that’s why we want people to look at what’s proposed and tell us what matters most to them.”
Fees and charges
Alongside the Draft Annual Plan, feedback is also open on the council’s Draft Fees and Charges and Financial Contributions for 2026/2027, and a review of the Policy for Setting Land Rentals for Club Buildings on Council Land.
For more information, visit: https://yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/annual-plan-2026-27.
Give feedback
Community feedback is open until 5pm, April 20. To give feedback online, visit: https://yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/annual-plan-2026-27.
Written feedback forms are available at all Western Bay of Plenty District Council library and service centres, or feedback can be emailed to: yourplace@westernbay.govt.nz.
People can choose to speak to their feedback at a council hearing on April. 23 – to do so, email: yourplace@westernbay.govt.nz by April 20 to secure a timeslot.