Monday, 22 June 2026
Proposed Annual Plan changes reflect community feedback
Councillors will consider adoption of the Annual Plan 2026-2027 on 25 June 2026.
Queenstown Lakes District Councillors will be asked to adopt a revised Annual Plan 2026-2027 at its meeting on Thursday 25 June.
In response to strong community feedback a number of changes have been proposed for the plan.
QLDC General Manager Assurance, Finance and Risk, Katherine Harbrow said more than 400 submissions were received during consultation earlier this year, with feedback strongly focused on affordability, transparency on how funds are invested, cost-of-living pressures and rates impact.
“We’ve listened closely and heard clearly that affordability is front of mind for many people. The changes we’re presenting back to Councillors for adoption respond directly to this feedback, reflecting our commitment to balancing continued investment in essential services, facilities and infrastructure with reducing financial pressure on households and businesses wherever possible,” she said.
Key changes to the Annual Plan 2026-2027 include:
A proposed 9.9% average rates increase for 2026-2027 (reduced from 11.7%).
A proposed 13.3% average rates increase for Luggate properties with wastewater services (reduced from 28.3%).
A proposed 12.5% average rates increase for Lake Hāwea properties with wastewater services (reduced from 18.2%).
$177.8M of capital investment (reduced from $205.8M).
Removal of $350k funding for the Responsible Camping Ambassador Scheme due to loss of Central Government Funding. Monitoring of Freedom camping will instead be undertaken by existing in-house resource.
Updated user fees and charges to help offset rates increases.
A reduction in funded depreciation (49% reduced from 52%).
Funding or allocation of staff resourcing to progress planning for several Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board priority projects, including:
Full-sized multi-use Artificial Turf ($700k capex, $100k opex)
Wānaka Lakefront Development Plan Stage 4 ($150k capex in 26-27)
Lower Helwick Street Redevelopment ($500k capex)
Stage 4 Pathway ($1M capex)
Roy’s Bay Jetty, Wānaka Arts Centre, Shared Path network and safety improvements.
“We appreciate the time and effort people took to provide feedback, and the thoughtful submissions we received. That input has played an important role in shaping proposed revisions to this plan for Councillor consideration,” Ms Harbrow said.
Councillors will consider adoption of the Annual Plan 2026-2027 on 25 June 2026. If adopted, it will take effect from 1 July 2026.
ENDS | KUA MUTU
Media contact: 03 441 1802.
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