Masterton District Council has formally adopted its 2025/26 Annual Plan, setting out a clear path for delivering key projects and services in the second year of its 2024–34 Long-Term Plan (LTP), Tō Wahi, Tō Mahere – Your Place, Your Plan.

The plan outlines a range of initiatives that will benefit the Masterton community, including progress on major infrastructure and community facility upgrades. These include the redevelopment of the Masterton Library and Archive, the demolition and future rebuild of the Town Hall, and the new animal shelter on Ngaumutawa Road which will provide improved facilities for animal welfare and is on track for completion later this year.

Mayor Gary Caffell says the adoption of the plan is a significant milestone. "I'm really pleased to see this plan adopted. It reflects the priorities our community told us matter most – getting the basics right, investing in our future, and making Masterton a great place to live."

The plan prioritises core infrastructure with more than $25 million allocated for roading maintenance and renewals, $12 million for water services operations and capital projects, and $10.8 million for wastewater operations, capital and debt repayment.

"Our focus remains on the fundamentals of roads and waters – getting the basics right," says Mayor Caffell. "We are on track to deliver what we agreed as part of the LTP with some minor variations, and people will begin to see progress on the ground with these major projects in the coming months."

The plan also confirms Council's continued work on water resilience, including the installation of water meters and the development of a regional Water Services Delivery Plan in partnership with neighbouring councils.

To support the delivery of these projects and respond to rising costs, the plan includes an average rates increase of 7.5% across the district. However, this varies by property type, with the average urban property seeing an increase of 5.5%, while rural properties will experience a higher average increase of 13.6%, largely due to increased investment in roading infrastructure.

The rates increase reflects ongoing financial pressures, including the lasting impact of Cyclone Gabrielle recovery costs. "We are nearing the end of the recovery process for Cyclone Gabrielle. Despite central government assistance, this has still been a significant financial burden for council," says Mayor Caffell.

"We know any rates increase is challenging, especially in the current economic climate. Council has worked hard to keep costs down while still delivering the services and infrastructure our community needs. This plan strikes that balance."

Implementation of the Annual Plan begins on 1 July, with major project milestones expected to become visible throughout the year as construction and development work progresses.

The full 2025/26 Annual Plan is available on the Council's website at www.mstn.govt.nz.

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