Central Otago District Council (CODC) took just 19 minutes to sign off 490 pages of the Long Term Plan (LTP, 2025-34) yesterday (Monday June 30), with total average rates increases being struck at 12.47 percent for the first year.

Following months of deliberations, consultations and hearings, and a record 903 people having their say on the future of the district, CODC chief executive Peter Kelly reinforced that the council had listened to the community.  

That was reflected through the various changes made to the proposed LTP, which saw many halls and community facilities retained.

CODC mayor Tamah Alley said councils were not just about roads, water and rubbish but also pools, parks, libraries and in Central Otago’s case the Alexandra Blossom Festival as well.

She said it wasn’t the council’s LTP but Central Otago’s LTP: “Society is the sum of its parts.”

The total average rates increase for Year One was a reduction of 0.54 percent from the average rates increase of 13.01 percent that was originally consulted on, but would vary greatly across the district, with some residential ratepayers only paying a small increase.

The LTP considered the transfer of three waters assets to a council-controlled organisation (CCO), which would come into effect in Year 3, but which would be decided on July 10 as it was part of a separate consultation.

External debt was expected to peak in Year 2 at $141M, increasing from the Annual Plan 2024/25 planned debt level of $88M. 

It would then decrease back to $31M in Year 3, further dropping to $8M by Year 9. It was expected that the three waters debt would transfer to the CCO in Year 3.

Council has to submit its water delivery plan to the Department of Internal Affairs for approval in September.

Financial manager Paul Morris acknowledged the “massive council-wide effort” on the LTP yesterday, and said it was the fastest one he’d been involved with.

Councillor Martin McPherson complimented the team and reiterated that as a result of the strong public engagement, the council had really listened to its community.

Have a story to share?

Contact [email protected]