Keeping our rate rises as low as possible is a priority for our council. On the back of the lowest average rates rise in New Zealand this current year, we’ve worked hard to keep the proposed average rates increase to 5.8 percent for the 2026/27 year.
It’s a balancing act as we try to keep rate rises low and at the same time deliver what matters for all of us. It’s a figure that reflects the reality of continued rising costs across New Zealand; while ensuring we don’t let our essential pipes, roads, and services crumble.
Download our full consultation document(PDF, 13MB)
What do you think?
We want to know if you think we have the balance right between rates affordability, managing our risks, delivering services that are important to the community and planning for our future. We’re open to ideas about how to do things differently to get this balance right.
In particular, we're interested in your views on these key topics.
Door charges at the Sarjeant Gallery: Should entry to the Gallery stay free, or should some visitors pay?
Delaying the Davis Library extension: Should we delay the library extension so we can review the costs and compare it with other projects in the Long-Term Plan?
Whanganui East Pool: Should the pool open for one more summer before it’s refurbished or take a one-summer pause to help reduce costs and manage the risks due to aging infrastructure.
Slowing down loan repayments: Should we keep paying off debt faster (and have slightly higher rates), or reduce the loan repayments to help keep rates as low as possible?
Keeping budgets lean - or building a buffer: Should we keep our budgets lean and only collect what we need each year? Or should we build in a buffer to better manage unexpected costs, even if it means slightly higher rates now?
Have your say
What is an Annual Plan?
An annual plan is the council’s budget for the year. It sets out what we plan to do, how much it will cost, and how it will be paid for.
In simple terms, we work out the cost of delivering services and facilities, then figure out how much needs to be collected through rates and other income.
Each year, we also review our plans to reflect changing circumstances. This might mean adjusting what we do, when we do it or how we fund it.
The 2026/27 Annual Plan is the third year of our current long-term plan.
Graphic - Council planning and performance monitoring cycle
Changes to rates
We’ve gone to great lengths to keep rates as low as possible.
The proposed average rates increase for 2026/27 is 5.8%. However, changes in property values mean some households may see higher or lower changes than this, which can create affordability pressures and concern in the community. Overall, the council is weighing affordability today against the need to manage risk, maintain services and invest for Whanganui’s future.
To see what this means for you, you can check your property’s proposed rates for 2026/27 here.
What's my rates?
What's planned for the next year?
We’re working on a range of projects across the district, focused on reliable services, strong communities and planning for the future.
Key projects and places
We’re planning to replace the Dublin Street Bridge to keep a safe, reliable connection between Whanganui East and the city. We’re working with NZTA on options and funding.
At 125 Grey Street, we’re preparing the site for a future community health hub led by Te Oranganui, while reusing materials and recognising the site’s history.
We’re also working with hapū and the Castlecliff community to transform the North Mole - restoring dunes, completing the Mountains to Sea cycleway, and creating a welcoming space with paths, parking and facilities.
Community facilities and spaces
We’re upgrading the Whanganui East Pool to improve safety, accessibility and year-round use.
Across the district, we’re improving shared spaces - including the Splash Centre gym, library hubs, and adding lighting and power at Castlecliff Beach Park.
Environment, resilience and sustainability
We’re developing a Coastal Action Plan to help communities respond to erosion and climate impacts.
We’re installing solar panels and battery back-up at community facilities to support people during outages and emergencies.
We’re also preparing a new Waste Management and Minimisation Plan to reduce waste and improve recycling.
Economy and connections
We’re upgrading parking at Whanganui Airport to improve access, safety and ease of use.
We’ll also host the first New Zealand Festival of Design in October 2026, building on our UNESCO City of Design status.
Got a question for us?
If you need more information or have a question, give us a call on (06) 349 0001.
Other consultations
This year we are consulting on a number of different things. You can read and provide feedback about all of them here. You can choose to provide feedback on everything, or just one or two things.
Along with the Annual Plan 2026/27, we are seeking feedback on:
Fees and charges
As part of the annual plan we are proposing to increase most fees and charges for council services by 3% to cover the cost of inflation, and we’d like your feedback on these.
Framing the Long-Term Plan 2027-2037
We’ve started planning for the next 10 years. As a first step, we have some general questions about whether you feel you get value for your rates, the services council delivers and what we could do differently.
Our policies and bylaws
We have a policy and a couple of bylaws that we are required by law to review. While we’re not proposing to significantly change them, we do need to consult with the public on them. The policy and bylaws are:
Keeping of Animals, Poultry and Bees Bylaw Let us know what you think about how we regulate the control and keeping of animals – from chickens to bees (so we don’t cock it up - pun intended!).
Dog Control Policy and Bylaw Let us know what you think about how dogs are controlled in Whanganui.
Have your say on any of our open consultations