The Grey District Council adopted the 2026/2027 Annual Plan yesterday, with a total rates revenue increase of 8.68%.
This is lower than the forecast increase of 10.09% in year two of the 2025-2034 Long Term Plan. Council was able to decrease the amount of rates required by carefully scrutinising its budgets line by line, debt funding some capital expenses which would otherwise be rate funded (i.e. Westland Recreation Centre upgrades) and extending new debt over a longer term (30 years rather than 20).
Council did not consult on a draft Annual Plan this year as under the Local Government Act 2002, councils do not need to consult if the plan does not contain significant or material differences from the relevant year of the long term plan (LTP).
The 2026/2027 Annual Plan continues to align with the direction, projects and priorities of year two of the 2025-2034 LTP and Council will maintain its commitment to focusing on core infrastructure and services.
Day to day, Council delivers essential services which support healthy, safe communities in the Grey District, such as safe roads and footpaths, reliable water supply and wastewater services, stormwater management, rubbish and recycling services, parks and public spaces, community facilities and planning and regulatory services.
VARIANCES
- In Y2 LTP, it was forecast that Council would have a deficit of $5.948 million; a surplus of $80,000 is now expected.
- Additional subsidies and grants for Port works ($6.647 million) and income generated by the transfer of infrastructure assets now vested into Council ($1.5 million) which were not included in the LTP.
- Staff costs are $408,000 greater than Y2 LTP and include inflationary adjustment, compulsory KiwiSaver employer contribution increase and replacement of consultants with permanent staff.
- Professional fees have decreased, partially offset by the increase in staff costs.
- There have been increases in insurance expenses.
- There have been decreases in finance costs due to rephasing of the capital programme.
FEES AND CHARGES
Fees and charges for 2026/2027 were also adopted as part of the annual plan. Most fees and charges were increased by CPI and rounding where appropriate – 3.1% (as at March 2026). Some notable changes are as follows:
- Most Westland Recreation Centre fees were not changed in 2025/2026. This year admission, hydroslide, aquacise, casual stadium use, lane hire and some Swim School programme fees have increased. Membership fees have increased by CPI. Family rates have been introduced. Room hire has increased. A new hire fee has been introduced for national events, tournaments and finals.
- Overdue fees and large print borrowing fees have been removed at the library. Room hire fees have been introduced for the new library facility.
- No changes to dog registration for 2026/2027.
- Increase of $10 per week for one bedroom retirement housing units and increase of $20 per week for two bedroom units.
The 2026/2027 Annual Plan is available on our website, along with examples of how the total rates revenue increase applies to various properties in the district, depending on their location, use and the services which apply. The 2026/2027 Annual Plan applies for the period 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027
