2027-2037 Long Term Plan - what matters to you?

Feedback to community - LTP pre-engagement (2027-2037 LTP)

8 April 2026

Thanks so much to everyone who took the time to complete our questions with regards to the 2027-2037 Long Term Plan.

We asked you some questions about what you thought were core services, what ones are most important to you and if Council had to make some changes to services to keep rates down, which ones you could live with Council increasing or reducing and what ones you want Council to keep.

We had responses from 324 people and the feedback received was invaluable and will be used when staff and Council come to developing our plan for the ten years starting from 1 July 2027. The results of the survey were presented to Council recently and Councillors were extremely grateful to everyone who took the time to have their say and provide their thoughts on what is important to them and where they want Council to focus on in the future. The Mayor and Councillors want to say to the community that “we’ve heard you”.

Please watch for the draft 2027-2037 long term plan in March 2027 for more opportunities to have your say on the services and activities that Council provides. Regular updates on the development of the plan will be provided in the agenda and on Council’s other communication channels.

RESULTS FROM THE SURVEY

Q1: What do you think are core services of councils?

The Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill, about to be passed by Government, defines the purpose of local government and core services as:

• Performing regulatory functions and providing public services
• Supporting local economic growth and development

• Prioritising:
  • Network infrastructure (roading/footpaths/bridges, other transport, water, wastewater, stormwater)
  • Public transport
  • Waste management and minimisation
  • Civil defence emergency management
  • Libraries, museums, reserves and other community and recreational facilities (e.g. playgrounds, parks and community halls)

Q2: Which core services are most important to you?

Q3: Which services do you want Council to:

Increase investment

Reduce the level of service

Keep as is