Source: Northland Regional Council
Northland Regional Council has adopted its latest Annual Plan which includes a nil increase in its total rates take for the next 12 months.
Council Chair Pita Tipene says times are tough for the people and communities of Taitokerau and council members recognise that affordability remains a critical issue.
“At the same time there remains hugely significant work to be done to care for te taiao (our environment) and to continue to help build climate resilient communities in a region that has suffered more than its share of impacts in recent adverse weather events.”
Chair Tipene says the Annual Plan represents council’s best efforts to walk the fine line between considering necessity and affordability and does not contain any significant changes from what is set out in its Long Term Plan.
“In an era of rising costs and inflation, holding the line on rates is our tangible way of standing with our people and easing pressure where it’s needed.”
However, he says it’s important to bear in mind that no rates increase does not mean no investment – “it’s about smarter, leaner spending and prioritising what’s critical”.
He says that none of this work can be considered outside of the lens of local government reform, announced by central government late last year.
“Our council has operated under current arrangements for around 30 years, and we agree it is both timely and appropriate to review the system to ensure it is fit-for-purpose in 2026 and beyond.”
Chair Tipene says while meaningful change may still be several years away the NRC is keen to work together with the other Northland councils to proactively consider what might best serve the region and its diverse communities through a strong ‘By Northland, for Northland’ approach.
“Likewise, we are working diligently alongside our district council partners to ensure Northland is in the best possible position to implement central government’s planned reform of the Resource Management Act.”
He says as NRC heads into the new financial year, it is focused on delivering meaningful outcomes on the ground, maintaining strong community relationships and operating with increased clarity around its functions and resourcing.
The plan can be found at: www.nrc.govt.nz/annualplan2026