FAQs

Last year the Council forecast a 12.9% rates increase for 2025-26 driven by a range of factors including a reduction in the use of reserves to offset rates, a planned increase in our flood protection work programme and the end of government funding for our biodiversity work programme, alongside usual operating cost increases such as inflation, interest and asset funding (debt and depreciation).

Since the adoption of the LTP, several factors have changed. Notably a $620,000 reduction of the forecast marine fee income, down from $2.6 million forecast, confirmation of the level of government co-funding for climate resilience projects, and increasing insurance costs.

This was offset to a degree with lower than budgeted interest rates, and a reduction in depreciation costs due to timing changes in the capital works programme.

Yes. The proposed reduction to the average rate increase of 8.8% has been achieved through $1m in savings via changes in forecasting assumptions, operational cost savings, consent monitoring efficiencies, and other efficiency gains across the organisation.

The Council is continuing to focus on increasing the resilience of the region to flood risk as outlined in the 2024-34 Long-term Plan, alongside other committed work programmes and levels of service.

Click here for frequently asked questions about the Annual Plan.

While Environment Southland is not formally consulting on the 2025-26 Annual Plan, we are open to receiving feedback, which can be provided here, by email to consultation@es.govt.nz or by talking with your local Councillor.

The Long-term Plan is a 10-year plan, which is reviewed every three years and outlines priorities, service levels and budgets. The 2025-2026 Annual Plan will be available on our website in due course.