Council has adopted its Annual
Plan 2026/27, confirming the
budget, work programme and
rates for the coming financial
year.
The plan shows an average
increase in rates of 3.5% across
activities, except water and
wastewater services which
increase by 15.95%. The resulting
overall increase is 5.9%.
Chief Executive Sven Hanne says this plan reflects
a continued focus on core services while remaining
mindful of affordability. “Annual Plans are about staying
the course, they take what we set out in the Long Term
Plan and adjust where needed, but largely they’re
about delivering on what we’ve already committed to
for our community.”
“The higher increase for water and wastewater
reflects the investment required to meet new and
increasing regulatory standards and ensure long-term
sustainability,” he says.
The Annual Plan continues the direction set through
the Long Term Plan 2024–2034, with a strong focus
on maintaining existing infrastructure and replacing
assets at the end of their life to ensure ongoing service
delivery. Progressing government reform programmes
will also remain a key focus.
“It’s about being realistic and prioritising what matters
most, keeping our core infrastructure running well and
continuing to invest where it’s needed,” says Sven.
“The Brecon Road extension has been removed from
the annual plan due to a lack of NZTA co-funding,
meaning its future will be up for debate at a later time.
However, we’re excited to progress the Prospero Place
upgrade and the extension of Council’s residential
subdivision.”
“We’re also continuing to look for efficiencies across
our operations, reducing costs where we can while still
delivering the services our community relies on,” says
Sven.
“A good example of this is Wai o Rua – Stratford
Aquatic Centre, where we’ve reduced operating
costs through improved energy management and
by bringing some services in-house. To build on this,
we’re also continuing to look for external funding
opportunities to maximise the value of our investment,”
he says.
The actual change for individual ratepayers will vary
depending on factors such as property type, value, and
which services the property receives, including water
supply, wastewater, and solid waste collection. A range
of sample rates is available on pages 15 and 16 of the
Annual Plan.
As part of the Annual Plan adoption, Council has also
carefully reviewed its Fees and Charges. While savings
have been found where possible, rising delivery costs
mean some increases are necessary to ensure services
can continue at current levels. These adjustments are
across venue hire, solid waste, and other user-pays
activities like the aquatic centre.
The full fees and
charges schedule for 2026/27 can be viewed online at
Stratford.govt.nz/Fees
Mayor Neil Volzke says this annual plan reflects a
balanced and practical approach. “We’re here to make
decisions that support the long-term wellbeing of our
district while being firm on what’s achievable today,”
says Neil.
“That means making careful financial decisions and
ensuring we’re delivering value for our ratepayers.”
Following adoption of the Annual Plan, Council also
confirmed the setting of rates, along with the due
dates and penalties regime for the 2026/27 financial
year, enabling rates to be struck and invoiced when the
Annual Plan comes into effect, from 1 July 2026.
