Future Services Review
Rates are too high for many people in our district.
As we prepare the 2027–2037 Long-Term Plan, we are looking closely at every Council service. We need to make sure services are affordable, can be paid for in the long term, and reflect what our community values most.
Why choices need to be made
Council is facing higher costs, funding limits and changes to the way services are delivered. This affects how much rates may need to rise and what services Council can afford in future.
The cost of services is rising. Like households across New Zealand, councils are paying more for materials, contractors, insurance, electricity and other essentials.
Government plans may limit future rates increases. Council may need to work within tighter funding limits. If costs keep rising faster than rates, we may need to reduce some services or find cheaper ways to provide them.
Ruapehu has a small ratepayer base. We maintain a large amount of infrastructure and provide many services for a relatively small number of ratepayers.
Local government is changing. Government reforms are likely to change how councils operate. Whatever happens, Ruapehu needs to stay financially sustainable.
Water services are moving out of Council. This will reduce income available for other Council activities. Future water charges are also expected to rise, and Council will need to think about this when setting rates.
We want to know what matters most to you
As we prepare our next Long-Term Plan for 2027–2037 Council faces some important decisions.
We need to decide where money can be saved to keep rates affordable into the future.
To do so we are undertaking three phases of engagement to understand what services our communities value most.
Phase one: July-August
Over the coming weeks, we will ask what you think about Council services. Your feedback will help us understand which services matter most and where changes could be made to help keep rates affordable and aligned with local government reform.
Phase two: October-November
Council will use your feedback to develop priorities, options and costs. In October, we will ask the community to confirm which services are important and what trade-offs people are willing to consider.
- Which services are essential?
- Which services could be provided in a different way?
- Which services could be reduced?
- Which services could stop?
- What trade-offs would you accept to help keep rates affordable?
Phase three: March-April 2027
Council will prepare a draft Long-Term Plan for formal consultation. The community will then be able to review the options, make submissions, and help shape the final decisions.
