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Kaipara ratepayers are set to see a lower-than-expected rates increase next year after the district council voted to halve its proposed rise in response to ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
At a meeting yesterday, councillors agreed to reduce the average rates increase for 2026/27 from 7.9% to 3.9% after growth.
Kaipara District Council Mayor Jonathan Larsen said councillors were mindful of the financial strain many residents were under when making the decision.
“I raised the notice of motion last week because we know many in our community are feeling the pinch with rising living costs. In recent times, increasing fuel prices have added to the load. This is about taking practical steps to provide some relief where we can.”
Councillors had earlier unanimously backed a notice of motion from Mayor Jonathan Larsen to investigate reducing the proposed average rates increase from 7.9% to 3.9% for the 2026/27 financial year.
That move came after resident group Mangawhai Matters (MM) conducted research into how the originally proposed increase would impact the unemployed and those on the pension. The group outlined its findings in a meeting with Mayor Larsen and Mangawhai/Kaiwaka ward councillors.
To achieve the further reduction, elected members agreed to fund roading renewals of up to $2.45 million with debt instead of general rates.
Council noted the tight timeframe to finalise the Annual Plan for the year ahead and the additional work required of staff to implement the changes ahead of the statutory deadline.
“Having this raised so late in the process is unusual, and I want to acknowledge the extra work done to identify further savings,” said Larsen.
“We will look to utilise those surpluses staff have found to pay off the debt in future years.
“At the same time, the cost-of-living pressures our communities are facing are also out of the ordinary. We still need to invest in our district, but we must be realistic about what people can afford. This decision reflects that balance.”
Staff will now work to finalise the Annual Plan 2026/2027, with adoption expected later in June.
