New goals to shape Waipā’s Long Term Plan
Getting finances under control and delivering value for ratepayers sits at the heart of a new set of strategic goals and priorities that will shape Waipā District Council’s 2027-37 Long Term Plan.
The goals focus on five key areas: responsible financial management, well-planned communities, fostering partnerships, strengthening trust and confidence, and building community resilience. These are medium term goals for the next 10 years and were adopted at the April Council meeting.
Three short term priorities over the next three years: driving a lean organisation, managing the district’s growth and finding ways to broaden the Council’s funding base to ultimately reduce reliance on rates over time, were also approved.
The goals and priorities were developed through a collaborative workshop in which elected members helped shape a clear, community focused direction for the Council.
Mayor Mike Pettit said setting this strategic direction ensured the Council had a clear eye on the realities ahead. “We’re working in a challenging environment, changing government direction and water services that will move over to Waikato Waters Ltd on July 1.
“We took a considered look at what our goals and priorities were trying to achieve, and they were developed with this changing environment in mind. At the heart of it is prudent and sustainable financial management.
“As we work together in developing our Long Term Plan, we’ll be getting out and about and talking to our communities about what matters.”
The new goals and priorities provide a solid foundation for the 2027-37 Long Term Plan which sets the strategic direction for the district and outlines how Council activities are managed, delivered and funded over a 10-year period.
Councillors have given staff a clear steer to begin the first year of the LTP with a rate increase starting in the five percent range, reducing towards four percent over the following years.
The plan is in the early stages of development with community consultation to be held early next year.
To view a full list of the new goals and priorities approved by Council visit our Long Term Plan (LTP) Hub waipadc.govt.nz/our-council/strategy-and-planning/long-term-plan
