Given there are no significant changes from its current LTP provisions, the Hastings District Council has decided to adopt its 2025/26 Annual Plan without prior consultation, as permitted by the Local Government Act.

Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said Council’s focus on critical infrastructure was a promise made to ratepayers as a result of last year’s consultation.

“This reflects that all of our funding is fully committed to the Cyclone Gabrielle rebuild and other critical infrastructure, and that there is no financial headroom to bring in other projects.

“To hold formal consultation would imply that, as in other years, we are able to accommodate new projects and changes wanted by our people – that is not the case, and therefore the pressing need is to ensure residents understand the Year 2 priorities as set out in the Long Term Plan.”

A 15% increase in rates is forecast in the LTP for 2025 – 6% of that ring-fenced for cyclone recovery costs and 9% to meet the rising cost of delivering core services, particularly in the transport and three waters areas. 

HDC plans a public education effort in April to keep ratepayers informed about spending progress and plans. The 2025/26 Annual plan will be formally adopted in June.