Thames-Coromandel District Mayor Peter Revell has announced the formation of a Mayoral Efficiency Taskforce (MET) to urgently identify savings and keep planned rate increases affordable for residents and ratepayers.

A small working group will review Council budgets closely, aiming to deliver a significantly reduced rate increase for next year at a level which is just half the Long Term Plan's expected increase for 2026/27.

"We were elected on a promise to keep planned rate increases low," said Mayor Revell. "Households are already under pressure, and we know every dollar counts. I cannot overstate the challenge we have in achieving this reduction, hence the need for urgent and focused attention. This taskforce will move quickly to deliver lower planned rate increases without unnecessarily compromising core services like water, roads, and waste management."

The Mayoral Efficiency Taskforce consists of Mayor Revell, Councillor Flemming Rasmussen, and Deputy Mayor John Grant, along with senior staff, including the Chief Executive.

"This Council has 36 months to achieve its objectives, and with one month already gone, time is of the essence," said Deputy Mayor John Grant. "These cost reductions will not be easy and will impact council activities. MET is reviewing all operational and capital programmes to deliver low increases for the 2026/27 Annual Plan and beyond."

MET will present initial recommendations by February 2026, with regular progress updates to the public. Ratepayers will, through community boards, be invited to provide input on identifying potential efficiencies and comment on proposed savings, other revenue opportunities, and trade-offs. MET reviews all feedback and makes cost-saving recommendations to the full Council, which decides. This transparent process ensures that the public is fully informed and involved in the process.

In addition to two existing committees, the Risk & Assurance Committee and the Chief Executive Committee, Mayor Revell has added Infrastructure & Finance, and Regulatory & Planning as two new committees. Committee chairs and membership will be confirmed at the Council meeting on 25 November.

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