Western Bay of Plenty District Council has pared back a proposed rates increase to 5.1% for existing ratepayers.

The revised figure is down from the 8.13% increase consulted on with the community in March, and lower than the 8.64% increase previously signalled in the council’s Long Term Plan.

The reduction comes as part of the council’s Annual Plan 2026/27 process, which sets priorities, services and budgets for the year ahead.

Mayor James Denyer said the lower increase reflected efforts by councillors and staff to ease pressure on households while maintaining core services.

“We know people are doing it tough, and we’ve approached this Annual Plan with that front of mind,” he said.

“We’ve looked at everything through an affordability lens. People told us the basics matter – things like safe roads, maintenance and keeping our communities running well – and that’s been a big driver in our decisions.”

Community feedback during consultation highlighted concerns about affordability and a preference for focusing on essential services.

Council also faced additional cost pressures during the planning process, including rising fuel prices and the impacts of recent weather events.

In response, councillors prioritised short-term affordability while continuing to consider how longer-term costs will be managed.

A key part of the changes involves how roading projects are funded. Council confirmed an additional $5.8 million investment in roads to respond to growth and weather-related pressures, while maintaining service levels such as mowing and general upkeep.

Rather than fully funding this through rates, the council will use transport reserves and rates, reducing the immediate impact on households but potentially affecting future increases.

Other measures to lower the rates impact include:

Western Bay of Plenty mayor James Denyer. Photo / John Borren

Denyer said the council was operating in a challenging financial environment.

“We’re operating in the same environment as households and businesses – maintaining tight budgets and balancing rising costs,” he said.

“That means making measured choices about where we spend, getting value for money and making sure we’re focused on what our communities have told us matters most.”

The council is due to adopt the Annual Plan on June 25.