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Mangawhai’s largest ratepayer organisation, Mangawhai Matters Society (MM), is pushing back on Kaipara District Council’s (KDC) proposed average rates rise of 7.9% for the 2026/27 Annual Plan.
The ratepayer advocacy group, which represents 340 paid members, says the council’s decision to press ahead with the proposed increase without public consultation, amid rising fuel costs and economic uncertainty, is cause for alarm.
At last month’s meeting, council decided it did not need to consult ratepayers on the proposed increase, saying the 7.9% rise was not materially different from the Long Term Plan’s originally forecast increase of 8.3%.
Kaipara Mayor Jonathan Larsen said at the time that the draft plan struck a balance between keeping rates as low as possible while responding to community priorities.
“One of the biggest issues raised with council is the condition of our roads. Our community has been absolutely clear that dependable roading is a priority, and that is a strong area of focus for our council,” Larsen said.
“At the same time, we’ve taken a hard look at every part of the budget to make sure we’re keeping rate increases as low as we reasonably can.”
But the society says the economic circumstances facing ratepayers are very different from when the Long Term Plan was adopted.
“We know our roads need repair and other works are essential, but our community’s financial situation is nothing like what it was when the Long Term Plan was adopted,” society chair Doug Lloyd said.
The society also points to Central Government’s proposal to introduce a nationwide rates cap of around 2% to 4%, with legislation expected this year and a phased rollout beginning in 2027. It argues councils should require staff to produce budget options that would deliver increases within that range.
“Our council must do the right thing and consult with ratepayers, even if it means a delay, and educate itself about the financial circumstances within and across Kaipara.
“The world has changed, and many ratepayers are fearful of sudden cost-of-living increases, especially those on fixed or low incomes. We know there are many retired people living in Mangawhai,” Lloyd said.
The proposed rates announcement follows council’s recent line-by-line review of its draft Annual Plan budget. The society obtained copies of briefing documents provided to council outlining the justification for the 7.9% rates rise.
“Staff will always fight for their own jobs and budgets, but councillors must advocate on behalf of the ratepayers who voted them in,” Lloyd said.
It is the society’s view that council should require staff to produce budget options with spending reductions that would deliver 2% to 4% rates increases.
“That’s the approach we expect. It goes with the job of being elected. Times are very hard for ratepayers. Councillors need to consult, find out, and remember this year is unlike last year,” Lloyd said.
The society’s managing committee is now seeking an early meeting with the mayor and local councillors, where MM will press its case for public consultation.
