CODC rates increase set at 12.47% average

From the Central Otago District Council.

Central Otago District Council (CODC) has today adopted its 2025–2034 Long-term Plan (LTP), setting the course for investment in the district’s infrastructure and services over the next 9 years.

The adopted plan includes an average rates increase of 12.47% for the 2025/26 year, slightly lower than the 13.01% proposed during public consultation. This adjustment reflects updated financial forecasts and includes a growth adjustment of 2.1%. Actual rates increases will vary depending on the location, property value and services received.

“We know any rates increase will have an impact, especially in the current economic climate. Council has worked hard to reduce costs where possible while maintaining the services and infrastructure our growing district requires,” Mayor Tamah Alley said.

The LTP includes key decisions across a number of areas, including water services, community facilities, recreation assets and support for schools and community events.

In the deliberations meeting held on 20 May 2025, the councillors reflected on the community’s feedback on the consultation’s key issues. As a result, the following decisions were made:

Volumetric water charges: set at $1.60 per cubic meter for 2025/26, increasing to the proposed $2.40 per cubic meter in 2026/27.
Community halls and facilities:
The following halls and facilities to remain under council ownership: Ophir hall; Poolburn hall; Becks hall; Clyde hall; Clyde Museum (Blyth St); Clyde Railway station; Millers Flat hall; Ranfurly hall; Wallace Memorial rooms; Naseby hall; Naseby General Store and Centennial Milk Bar.
Fenton Library building to remain under council control.
The following halls and facilities to be divested subject to further discussion: Patearoa hall; Waipiata hall and Wedderburn hall.
The following halls and facilities to be divested: Vallance Cottage; Clyde Police Lock Up; Briar Herb Museum and Cottage; Clyde Goods Shed; Millers Flat Bowling club and Roxburgh Squash club.
The old Alexandra Riding for the Disabled building to be demolished.
The Ranfurly Service Centre to be divested as part of the Long-term Plan 2027-37.
Roxburgh Pool: the Ida MacDonald Roxburgh Pool Punawai Ora will be vested to Council. As a result, admission charges have been added to Council’s fees and charges and will remain consistent with those under previous management.
Alexandra Outdoor Pool: Will be retained by Council and reviewed again in the next Long-term Plan (2027–2037).
Manuherekia Valley Community Hub: Council agreed to provide up to $1.6M in additional funding to support its completion.
Education and community funding:
Support confirmed for artificial turf grants for both Dunstan High School and Maniototo Area School.
$24,500 per year allocated to the Blossom Festival for 2025/26 and 2026/27 from the District Tourism Reserve Fund.
Water services delivery: Council will continue investigating a joint council-controlled organisation (CCO) model for water services, reflecting the preferred option consulted on.
Mining income: Revenue from mining agreements with Hawkwood Mining will be allocated to both the roading emergency works fund and the emergency event fund.
Roading emergency fund contribution: Reduced from $165,000 to $100,000 for 2025/26.
No funding has been allocated for a South Island Supercars event, as no hosting opportunity has been offered to the district.

"This is Central Otago's Long Term Plan - we heard from people right across the district, whether it was about water charges, local halls, or funding priorities. It’s clear people care deeply about their communities and this plan reflects the wishes of our people.”

The adopted Long-term Plan comes into effect on 1 July 2025, and will guide Council’s decisions and budgets for the upcoming year and beyond.

Rates assessments and invoices will be sent to ratepayers in July, in accordance with the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002. The Rating Policy and Council’s full resolution will be available on the Council website.

The final 2025–34 Long-term Plan will be published online at www.codc.govt.nz and a public notice will appear in The News via Council’s weekly Noticeboard.