South Wairarapa District Council 2025/34 Long-Term Plan

Consultation has now closed.

We received 218 formal submissions. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback, came to a drop-in session or made a submission. Your voice will help our elected members make an informed decision.

Hearings are scheduled for 16 April - you can read the submissions here.

What is the Long-Term Plan?

It’s an important document that outlines our services, how we maintain our district’s infrastructure, our budgets and projects to make our district an even better place to live.

Over the past two years, the South Wairarapa District Council has gathered community feedback that has supported the development of the 2025/34 Long Term Plan (LTP), an important document that reflects our community’s needs and aspirations. This plan isn’t just about numbers - it’s a roadmap for the next nine years.

Why is it important to participate?

Before we publish the LTP, it’s important we hear your views about the priorities and decisions to be made that are outlined in this consultation document. For the 2025/26 year, we're proposing a 4.3% increase in total rates. The individual impact on ratepayers will depend on property value and infrastructure connections. A rates calculator is available on our website to help residents understand the potential effects of different options.

Creating an LTP is a team effort, and we need your input which is where effective consultation comes in. We'll be focusing on three key areas:

• Alternate ways to distribute rates
• operating our water network
• prioritising our roading spend

We also want to hear your thoughts on what our priorities should be, which services and projects matter most to you, and how best to fund them.

These decisions that will be made with your feedback will directly impact how we live and work in South Wairarapa, and who knows our community better than you? There will be plenty of drop in sessions throughout the month of March and your feedback will help shape the future—so let’s chat.

What’s happening?

From 7 March – 6 April, you’ll be able to share your feedback on the important issues that affect our district, communities and, most importantly, future generations of South Wairarapa.

We are facing big challenges and have some tough decisions to make.

For the next nine years, our plan sets out how we will balance the books, build financial sustainability and take a ‘back to basics’ approach. This means a focus on core activities like infrastructure, water management, transport, planning, and regulatory services.

To find out more, the consultation document is the go-to for information, key questions, and process details you need to have your say.

You can provide feedback on all of the proposals and changes or only those that interest you.