A new targeted rate will be collected to support three of the district’s museums, following community consultation and approval by elected members.

The decision reflects the strong public engagement, with 388 submissions received during the consultation period. Community input was widespread, with respondents distributed across the district: 35% from Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Ward, 32% from Wairoa, and 31% from Otamatea Ward.

While 36% of respondents supported no targeted rate, approximately two-thirds expressed support for a targeted rate in some form. After much discussion, elected members approved to set a targeted rate at $185,000 across the district—equating to $14 for each rateable property paying the Uniform Annual General Charge (UAGC).

Some of the community feedback highlighted concerns about the unequal distribution of funding on one of the options. The approved new rate shares the funds equally among the museums, and includes the write-off of the Mangawhai Museum loan of $100,000. Advice to Council indicated that any contribution below $20 per ratepayer could jeopardise the museum’s future viability, making the loan write-off a necessary measure under most of the proposed options.

Originally, the targeted rate was expected to be on top of the previously signalled rate increases of 8.9% after growth for the coming year. Savings achieved elsewhere mean the projected overall rates increase will be lower than anticipated—now projected at 8.3% and including the new targeted rate.

Kaipara District Mayor Craig Jepson thanked the public’s involvement in the process.

“There’s been a heck of a lot of discussion around this, and all of the insights have been invaluable in shaping this decision,” said Mayor Jepson.

“No doubt that the museums need support, and there also needs to be other avenues of funding for them in the future. We don’t want to see the museums fail, and it’s clear the community don’t want that either.”

The Annual Plan for 2025/2026 is scheduled for adoption on Wednesday, 26 June, with the new targeted rate coming into effect on 1 July 2025.

View the council discussion and decision on the Kaipara District Council YouTube channel (from 0:13).

© Scoop Media