2026-27 Annual Plan adopted

Central Otago District Council has adopted its 2026-27 Annual Plan, with an average rates increase of 6.34%. This is lower than the 7.26% forecast in the 2025-34 Long-Term Plan.

The reduction reflects changes to capital programming and its impact on debt levels, along with the use of operational reserves to soften pressure on ratepayers.

Capital expenditure for 2026-27 is budgeted at $61.827 million, with $17.202 million of that reflecting capital projects carried forward from 2025-26 across three waters, property, roading and waste management.

Key milestones in the year ahead include the opening of Te Puna Mahara - Cromwell Memorial Events Centre, construction progress of the Omakau Community Hub, the replacement of Bridge 145 in Maniatoto, and reinstatement planning for the Roxburgh Entertainment Centre.

Mayor Tamah Alley acknowledged the work of Council staff in preparing a budget that means a decrease from what was originally forecast.

“It’s positive that we’re able to set the rates nearly a whole percentage down from the forecast at a time when community costs for everything are going up and up,” she said.

The plan also marks the lead-up to a significant transition, with water services moving from Council to Southern Waters – a jointly owned entity – on 1 July 2027. Work on the next Long-Term Plan is already underway, with the 2027-37 LTP due for consultation and adoption in 2027.

The 2026-27 Annual Plan will be available on the Council’s website: Annual Plan - Central Otago District Council