Southern Water Done Well model best position for future – Brad Olsen Published on 03 June 2025 Leading economist Brad Olsen has voiced strong support for Southern Water Done Well’s preferred water services delivery model, saying it offers the best pathway to safe, reliable water services and long-term financial benefits for the southern region. Tagged as: , Business & Economy, Consultations, Council & Community Boards, Media Releases
Food Business Levy to be collected from July 1 2025 Published on 29 May 2025 In 2024, the Government agreed to introduce a Food Business Levy. This levy will be used to enhance core food safety services under the Food Act 2014. From 1 July 2025, Waitaki District Council is required to collect the levy from food businesses registered with it, on behalf of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). Tagged as: , Business & Economy
Dog registration fees set to rise for 2025/26 Published on 28 May 2025 At yesterday’s full meeting of the Waitaki District Council, the Mayor and Councillors approved an increase in dog registration and related fees for dog owners in the Waitaki District.Council has set Animal Management’s cost structure at 100% user pays, to ensure ratepayers do not subsidise these services.This will apply for all dog owners in the District. Tagged as: , Council & Community Boards
Mayor and Councillors set rates for 2025-34 Long Term Plan Published on 28 May 2025 At today’s full meeting of the Waitaki District Council, the Mayor and Councillors approved the ratings for 2025/26 and beyond as part of the Long Term Plan process. The average rating increase for the next rateable year will be 9.79%. Tagged as: , Council & Community Boards
Fresh Look for Historic Thames Street Buildings Published on 27 May 2025 Scaffolding around three businesses along Thames Street may have caught your attention over the last few weeks – but it’s not about bird-proofing the buildings against our local seagull population.This makeover is part of the Central Ōamaru Masterplan, which includes a series of five community-led projects aimed at revitalising the town centre. Tagged as: , Community
Waitaki District Chief Executive condemns misinformation Published on 27 May 2025 Waitaki District Council would like to address misinformation circulating regarding its current Southern Water Done Well consultation, and provide an analysis of the misinformation and the most significant errors it contains. Tagged as: , Consultations
Sport New Zealand Rural Travel Fund – May 2025 Grants Published on 23 May 2025 The Grants and Awards Sub-Committee of Waitaki District Council met on Tuesday 13 May 2025 to assess the applications received for the Sport New Zealand Rural Travel Fund. While $20,000 was available for the distribution, applications totalling $88,784 were received. Tagged as: , Community
Rates rebate threshold for SuperGold cardholders raised in Budget 2025 Published on 23 May 2025 The Government has announced changes to the rates rebate threshold for SuperGold cardholders, raising it from $31,510 to $45,000.The changes, which take effect from 1 July 2025, mean that SuperGold cardholders and their households with rates higher than $2,000, and income of up to $45,000 will be able to receive the maximum rebate. Tagged as: , Business & Economy
Ministerial Letter - Local Water Done Well Reforms Published on 22 May 2025 Waitaki District Council's Mayor Gary Kircher has received the following letter from the Hon Simon Watts, Minister for Local Government. In it, he sets out his expectations for Councils to work together on Local Water Done Well, emphasises the financial sustainability and regulation, and indicates he will not grant deadline extensions to Councils for delivering their plans on September 3 2025. Tagged as: , Consultations
Project Reclaim gets ETS waiver, scoops Āpōpō Asset Management Award Published on 20 May 2025 Waitaki District Council has received confirmation from the NZ Government that the $1.4 million Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) cost of Project Reclaim has been waived.Project Reclaim also picked up an Āpōpō Asset Management Award last week, taking home the The Sustainability Award for Excellence in Collaboration. Tagged as: , Projects & Works