Annual Report Highlights Council's Performance
Waimate District Council has adopted its 2025/26 Annual Report, meeting a range of key targets, adapting to national reforms and investing in infrastructure.
“We’re delivering the essentials,” says Mayor Craig Rowley. “Serving the community is our duty, and that remains constant amidst a relentless cycle of reform and regulatory change.”
Adopted at an Extraordinary Council Meeting on 30 October 2026, the Annual Report 2025/26 supports accountability to the community, outlining how Council performed against its targets under the first year of the Long Term Plan (LTP) 2025-2034.
“There’s room for improvement, but I’m pleased with the work we’ve done, from the delivery of core services to supporting community initiatives and helping young people find employment,” says Mayor Rowley.
Council met all its performance targets in roading, stormwater, community facilities and community services, while delivering outcomes in water supply, sewerage, organisation and governance, district planning and regulatory services and waste management.
Drainage improvements remained a priority, with Council installing new culverts, cleaning or reconstructing drains and renewing kerbs and channels. Major infrastructure projects included the refurbishment of two bridges and the restoration of the gym and squash courts at the Waimate Event Centre following a fire in October 2024. More residents used the centre’s facilities, thanks to a range of affordable activities utilising the courts and function room.
Recent legislative reforms prompted several initiatives. As part of the Government’s Local Water Done Well programme, Council progressed water infrastructure upgrades across the district, with projects at various stages of development. These include two projects for the Lower Waihao Rural Water Scheme: the provision of a new, low nitrate water source and a treatment plant upgrade. End-point treatment devices will also be installed in two other schemes to supply residents with safer drinking water.
Changes to planning and resource management laws also spurred Council to begin developing a regional spatial plan alongside other Canterbury communities.
Increased subdivision and consenting activity and larger subsidies from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi contributed to an operating surplus of $1.74 million. Capital and operational expenditure was lower than budgeted because of several factors, including project deferrals, finance costs less than anticipated and staff vacancies. Total borrowings reached almost $10 million, about half the forecast amount.
“We’re continuing to manage Council’s finances carefully and efficiently, while monitoring developments around a possible rates cap,” says Mayor Rowley. “We’re taking a balanced approach: investing in services, delivering value and keeping rates as manageable as possible.”
The Annual Report 2025/26 and Summary Annual Report 2025/26 are available on waimatedc.govt.nz/annualreport.
