Mayor Tavendale submits Notice of Motion to replace 22% rate rise

Published on 19 June 2026

Waitaki Mayor Mel Tavendale has submitted a Notice of Motion to revoke the decision of Council to set rates at 22% and replace it at next Tuesday’s meeting of full Council.

Mayor Tavendale says reducing the forecast rates increase for the Waitaki District Council will provide short-term relief but does not address the underlying problem and will have future consequences. She also stressed that 9% is not an option for the 2026-27 financial year, and that the new rate rise set will be in the high teens.

The proposed revocation and replacement of Council’s decision has been made possible by a $1 million dividend from Whitestone Contracting Ltd, easing inflationary pressures, and a directive to find savings that could reduce service levels. This may allow the council to respond to community concerns and reduce the impact on ratepayers this year, should a new rate be set.

Mayor Tavendale said she and the CEO had worked hard to revise the figure. She reached out directly to the Minister for Local Government, Simon Watts, to make him aware of this potential change. The Annual Plan 2026-27 must match the submitted Water Services Delivery Plan.

But her position is clear - temporary relief is not a long-term solution, and true leadership means confronting the underlying issue directly.

“This proposal is not without risk and may have a negative consequence on Council’s overall financial position – which will need to be funded in subsequent years. This may increase the operating deficit, requiring further borrowing, so that future ratepayers will pay for the services used by ratepayers today.”

“This is not simply a short-term budget issue. Districts like Waitaki with large land areas and small ratepayer bases are expected to maintain increasingly expensive infrastructure while also absorbing higher costs for power, fuel, insurance, construction, compliance, and other essential services. Revenue available through rates and other means is not keeping pace with those demands.”

The meeting of Waitaki District Council will take place at 11:30am at Council Chambers on Tuesday 23 June 2026.

ENDS

media@waitaki.govt.nz