6 March 2017

Media Release

Tasman rates bills to remain steady in 2017-18

Most Tasman ratepayers will see very little change in their rates bill in the coming year.

The Tasman District Council has released its Annual Plan for 2017-2018, which will see progress on key projects to upgrade essential infrastructure, manage natural resources such as freshwater, and plan for population growth - while continuing to limit spending and debt.

The Council’s total rates income will increase by just 0.63% in 2017-18 (after an allowance for growth), following on from a 0.97% increase in 2016-17. Because individual rates bills are made up of a combination of the general rate and targeted rates (which vary depending on where a property is located, services used and property value), not all rates across the District will change by the same percentage.

In the coming year, the Council will carry out major projects such as the Queen Street Upgrade, a replacement Kaiteriteri wastewater pipeline, Bateup Road widening, new Motueka and Kaiteriteri water treatment plants, and changes to planning rules to help manage land demands from population growth.

Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne said the financial direction set by the Council three years ago was delivering great results.

“Rates and debt continue to track well below our forecasts. I’m really pleased to say rates will rise by a minimal amount this year, but we will still be working to improve our infrastructure and resilience to storms and unexpected events, plan for growth in the District, and maintain the same quantity and quality of services we always have.”

Mayor Kempthorne said work was beginning to formulate the Council’s budgets and plans for the 10-year period from 2018 – this would be fed into the Long Term Plan 2018-28.

“Over the next few months we’d really love to hear what people would like to see in that plan. What are the key issues we need to address over that period? What are the projects you’d like us to consider? And should our focus continue to be on reducing rates rises and debt?

“It’s not just the big issues that make a difference to our communities though, so if you have a great idea or a concern about something happening in your neighbourhood, feel free to let us know about that too. It will all help us gain a sense of your priorities, allowing us to develop a Long Term Plan that balances the different needs and desires of our varied communities.”

Tasman’s Annual Plan 2017-18 in Numbers

0.63% - Total rates income increase, after an allowance for growth

40% - Of ratepayer’s bills will decrease by up to $200 a year

$158.7 million – Net debt

$38.1 million – Capital spending

$108.2 million - Operating spending

ENDS

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