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Development contributions

What are development contributions?

A development contribution is a charge on new development under the Local Government Act 2002. It helps make sure developments that place extra demand on council infrastructure contribute to the extra costs involved.

This money helps pay for new or expanded infrastructure, such as roads, water supply, parks and community facilities. It can only be used for the purpose it was collected for.

Development contributions usually apply to new houses, non-residential development including commercial, industrial and retail projects, subdivisions and some changes in land use.

Development contributions are assessed on:

  • Roading and transport
  • Water supply
  • Wastewater
  • Stormwater
  • Community infrastructure
  • Parks and reserves

Waters changes from July 1, 2026

What does this mean?

From July 1, 2026, Waikato Waters Limited (WWL) will take over management of Waipā’s water supply and wastewater assets. To support a smooth transition, we will manage development contributions on behalf of WWL from July 1, 2026 - 2029.

The process stays much the same. The forms below still apply, and you can view all the development contributions charges below.

Water supply and wastewater

administered on behalf of Waikato Waters Limited

Development Contributions Policy 2025 - For water and wastewater (PDF, 7.94MB)

Development Contributions Policy methodology and options (PDF, 580KB)
Roading and transport
Stormwater
Community infrastructure
Parks and reserves 		Development Contributions Policy 2026 - without water supply and wastewater (PDF, 4MB)

Development Contributions Policy methodology and options (PDF, 580KB)

Fees and charges

Sitting alongside the development contributions are the administrative fees. These are set in the schedule of fees and charges.

Description Fees and charges 2026-27
Development Agreement preparation and negotiation

Development Contribution pre-application estimates and advice 		Actual staff time
Development contributions objections All actual and reasonable costs in accordance with section 150A of the Local Government Act 2002

Notes:

  1. Development contributions are not actual fees, but are contributions paid towards the costs of infrastructure development. For more information on Development Contributions, please refer to the Development Contributions Policy 2025.

Non-residential developments

If you are planning a commercial, industrial, or retail development, you will need to complete the non-residential information form and submit it with your building consent and/or land use consent application. This helps council assess whether a development contribution is required.

Re-considerations and objections

Find out how to apply for a reconsideration of a development contribution assessment, or object to a development contribution assessment.

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