Your place, your rates, your say - community invited to have say on QLDC’s Annual Plan 2026-2027

The draft Annual Plan 2026-2027 is now open for consultation and Mayor John Glover is encouraging everyone to get to know the proposals and have their say.

The draft Annual Plan reviews Council budgets against what was set out in the Long Term Plan (LTP) and makes adjustments based on what we propose to do in the 2026-2027 financial year.

Mayor John Glover says the consultation is an opportunity for residents to help shape the balance between affordability and the services Council provides.

“Your elected representatives understand that any increase in rates is impactful. We really want to hear whether you think we should spend less (and if so on what), but also what it is that is important to you that we carry on doing.”

The draft Annual Plan proposes an average rates increase of 11.7% for 2026-2027, after allowing for 3.5% growth in the rating database. This increase is consistent with what was forecast for year three of the Long Term Plan 2024–2034, and Council staff and elected members have worked hard to reduce this from an original average increase of 19%.

Importantly, 11.7% is an average figure for the district.  The actual increase may be different depending on where you live, the type of property you own and which services you access.  In particular, residents living in the small communities of Lake Hāwea, Cardrona and Kingston will see higher increases due to required investment in essential water and wastewater infrastructure.  Residents in those areas will be provided with more information about the increases soon.

Everyone who works, lives or owns property in the district is invited to make a submission on any aspect of the draft plan, however there are three key topics Council would like specific feedback on, including:

• proposed changes to user fees and charges

• priority projects for the Wānaka–Upper Clutha ward

• early thinking to inform the Long Term Plan 2027–2037.

Residents can read the consultation document, detailed supporting document and make a submission online via QLDC’s Let’s Talk platform.

Submissions can also be made by email, post or by dropping into a Council office or library. People who wish to speak to their submission will have the opportunity to do so during hearings in May.

Consultation runs until 24 April 2026.

To read the plan or have your say, visit: letstalk.qldc.govt.nz/AP26-27

ENDS | KUA MUTU

Media contact

communications@qldc.govt.nz 

TEL: 03 441 1802