Upper Hutt City Council has formally adopted its Annual Plan for 2025/2026, following community consultation held from 24 March to 27 April.

The plan outlines key priorities for the year ahead and reflects Council’s continued focus on core activities and service delivery.

This year, we informed our community about the Annual Plan 2025/2026 average rates increase of 15.78% being lower than the Long Term Plan forecast, and consulted on options for kerbside recycling.

Other concurrent consultation topics included Fees and Charges, a new the Alcohol Fees Bylaw, and changes to the Revenue and Financing Policy and the Gambling Venues Policy.

Mayor Wayne Guppy acknowledged and thanked the community for feedback during the consultation period.

“Council’s decisions reflect a careful balance between community needs, fiscal responsibility, and our commitment to delivering essential infrastructure and services,” he says.

“We appreciate the feedback received from our community, as this has been valuable in helping to shape our decisions.”

Council also confirmed its future model to deliver water services as a new multi-council-owned water organisation, planned to be established with Hutt, Wellington, and Porirua City Councils and Greater Wellington Regional Council.

“Based on the options and requirements in the Local Water Done Well legislation, the best way forward is to pool our resources and tackle significant water infrastructure issues together,” says Mayor Guppy.

“The aim is to now develop a joint water service delivery plan that is workable, financially sustainable, and meets the needs of communities and the environment.”

Key decisions and what they mean

Local Water Done Well

Council confirmed its water service delivery model as per the consultation’s preferred option for a new multi-council-owned water organisation (planned to be established with Hutt, Wellington and Porirua City Councils and Greater Wellington Regional Council) which will own and operate public water supply, wastewater, and stormwater assets and networks.

Subsequent to this decision, a water services delivery plan will be developed for Council adoption on 20 August 2025, before its submission to the Department of Internal Affairs.

Kerbside Recycling Activity – Option 2

What is it?

Council currently operates a recycling drop-off facility on Park Street, but space and capacity issues limit its effectiveness. Kerbside recycling is currently privately arranged. A previously planned Council-run kerbside service was included in the Long Term Plan 2024–2034, in line with a now-repealed Government mandate. As this mandate was removed by the Government, Council sought feedback on whether to continue with these plans.

Council’s decision

Adopted Option 2: Retain enhanced status quo and investigate additional recycling locations.

Why this matters

Responds to public support for accessible, Council-led recycling and addresses capacity issues at Park Street.

Class 4 Gambling Venues Policy – Option 2

What is it?

This policy regulates the number and location of venues with pokie machines in Upper Hutt. It currently caps machines at 174 and limits venues to Business Commercial Zones. There are also restrictions near sensitive sites such as schools, childcare centres, Kōhanga Reo, and community facilities.

Council’s decision

Adopted Option 2: Removes “or other community facilities” as a restricted location.

Why this matters

Reduces restrictions on where new gambling venues can open, streamlining policy while maintaining protections for key sensitive areas.

Alcohol Fees Bylaw – Option 2

What is it?

This bylaw introduces fees for alcohol licensing activities, enabling the Council to recover 80% of the associated administrative and enforcement costs. Fees vary based on the risk profile of the licensed premises and include application, annual, and special license charges.

Council’s decision

Adopted Option 2: Implement the bylaw with fees phased in over three years.

Why this matters

Ensures costs are met by the alcohol industry rather than ratepayers, promoting a fairer funding approach.

Revenue and Financing Policy – Option 1

What is it?

This policy outlines how Council services are funded – through rates, user charges, grants, and other income, and includes rating differentials to balance cost distribution across property types.

Council’s decision

Adopted: Update the existing policy to reflect greater fairness and clarity.

Why this matters

Promotes transparency and aligns funding methods with public expectations of equity.

Schedule of Fees and Charges – Option 1

What is it?

A standard update of fees for Council services. This year’s schedule also includes clarification of the age range for “child rates at H2O Xtream” and compassionate fee waivers for cemetery plots.

Council’s decision

Adopted Option 1: Confirmed child definition as ages 5-15 at H2O Xtream, and waived cemetery plot fees for stillborn babies and children aged under one.

Why this matters

Supports fairness in public service pricing and provides compassionate relief for grieving families.

Contact:

For more information on this news release, please email media@uhcc.govt.nz

For more information on Upper Hutt and the City Council, go to www.upperhutt.govt.nz

Source: Upper Hutt City Council

30/06/25