Upper Hutt City Council adopted its Annual Plan 2026–2027 at its Council meeting on Wednesday 1 April.

The plan, which takes effect from 1 July 2026, sets out Council’s priorities for the year ahead.

“The coming year will be an exciting one as we set out a long-term strategic direction together,” says Mayor Peri Zee.

“Our focus is on the city centre, transport, and ensuring a stronger programme of infrastructure projects to support our growing community.”

As the Annual Plan does not differ significantly from Year 3 of Council’s amended* Long Term Plan 2024–2034, no public consultation was required.

Mayor Zee says Council carefully considered the current economic environment when setting the rates increase.

“We know households are under pressure, so we’ve reduced the rates increase from 13.63% signalled in the Long Term Plan to 9.90%,” she says.

“Our plan is to restore financial sustainability after decades of comparatively low rates followed by a rapid increase in debt-funded projects. While any increase is challenging, we expect to remain among the lowest average residential rates in the country.”

Mayor Zee says Council’s continued focus is on improving how it delivers for the community.

“We’re committed to making sure public money delivers public value. That means better practices, stronger community engagement, and more rigorous assessment of costs and benefits.”

In addition to adopting the Annual Plan, Council has reviewed its Schedule of Fees and Charges, with most fees increasing by 3% to reflect inflation and adjustments where costs have changed.

Recognising the sensitivity of child burials, council has approved changes to remove burial fees for those under 18. The overall impact is expected to be broadly cost neutral and managed within the existing fee structure.

Council has also updated fees at H2O Xtream to improve access for Community Card holders and people with disabilities, including a combined swim and spa/sauna entry for $3.60 and a new 10-trip option for Community Card holders at $26.

The Annual Plan 2026–2027 and supporting information are available on our Let’s kōrero information page.

*From 1 July 2026, the responsibility for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater will transfer to the new jointly owned entity, Tiaki Wai. To reflect this change, Council has amended the Long Term Plan to remove water service delivery, assets and financials from Council’s books. More information on the amendment and what it means for Upper Hutt can be found at www.upperhutt.govt.nz/ltp.

More information on Tiaki Wai can be found at www.tiakiwai.co.nz

Source: Upper Hutt City Council

07/04/26