Stratford district ratepayers are facing a 5.9% overall rates increase following the Stratford District Council's adoption of its 2026/27 Annual Plan on Tuesday.
While the baseline increase sits at 3.5% across most council activities, a sharp 15.95% jump in water and wastewater services drove the final figure up.
Chief Executive Sven Hanne said the steep rise in water services is a direct result of the investment required to meet strict new regulatory standards and ensure long-term sustainability.
"It's about being realistic and prioritising what matters most, keeping our core infrastructure running well and continuing to invest where it's needed," Hanne said.
Council staff have largely stuck to the framework established in the 2024-2034 Long Term Plan. Their primary focus remains on replacing aging infrastructure and maintaining existing assets to keep services running smoothly.
District Mayor Neil Volzke called the budget a practical response to the current financial climate.
"We're here to make decisions that support the long-term wellbeing of our district while being firm on what's achievable today," Volzke said. "That means making careful financial decisions and ensuring we're delivering value for our ratepayers."
Not all proposed projects survived the final cut. Council removed the Brecon Road extension from the annual plan after missing out on co-funding from the New Zealand Transport Agency.
Other major projects are still tracking ahead. SDC will continue to progress the upgrade of Prospero Place and the expansion of the council-owned residential subdivision.
Hanne pointed out that staff have actively hunted for operational efficiencies to ease the burden on ratepayers. Wai o Rua, the Stratford Aquatic Centre, recently reduced its operating costs through improved energy management and bringing previously outsourced services in-house.
Residents will also notice tweaks to everyday council services. SDC has reviewed its user-pays fees and charges, resulting in price adjustments for venue hire, solid waste disposal and aquatic centre entry to offset rising delivery costs.
The new rates will be struck and invoiced when the Annual Plan comes into effect on July 1.
