Kaipara District Council has formally adopted its Annual Report for 2024/2025, following unanimous approval by elected members at the council meeting on 26 November.

The independently audited report provides a comprehensive account of council performance over the past financial year, measuring progress against the first year of the Long Term Plan 2024–2027.

Kaipara District Council Mayor Jonathan Larsen said the report demonstrates Council’s commitment to recovering from recent extreme weather events while continuing to deliver for the Kaipara community.

“This report reflects the work and dedication of our staff and elected members, alongside the support of our communities to deliver value for our ratepayers and residents. From repairing roads and strengthening flood protection to planning for future growth and keeping the books balanced, we are proud of the progress made in 2024/2025.”

Roading remained Council’s priority and largest investment. Of the roading budget, the major spend is on the emergency works programme, repairing slips and damage caused by the severe weather events of 2023, including Cyclone Gabrielle and the Mangawhai rainfall event. Thirteen major slip repairs were completed across key routes. Sealing projects on three high-traffic roads improved safety and resilience, while the third phase of the Mangawhai Shared Path was completed, linking the Village to the Heads shops.

Flood protection and land drainage projects were delivered across the district, including a new floodgate at Canal G in Te Kowhai and a 625 metre stopbank in Ruawai. In Dargaville, a suite of floodwalls and stormwater systems were strengthened. Council also coordinated the emergency response to the Mangawhai Village tornado in January 2025, clearing roads, supporting affected households and restoring safety in collaboration with other agencies.

The District Plan Review progressed, with a Proposed Kaipara District Plan approved in March 2025 and publicly notified from April to June. Community consultation shaped new policies, including the introduction of a targeted rate to support district museums and progress on water service delivery under the Local Water Done Well legislation.

Council also adopted a new economic development strategy, unveiled a new ‘visit, live, work, and invest’ website, and delivered new amenities such as modern facilities at Pahi and Baylys Beach, improvements at Hubert Linnell Reserve, and expanded Mangawhai Library into a full branch.

External debt was reduced by $10 million during the year, leveraging term deposits and strong cash reserves from delayed capital works. Council closed the year with an operating surplus of $24 million, closely aligned to the budgeted $25 million.

Council achieved 50 of its 77 performance measures across nine council activities with notable improvements in the Solid Waste and Regulatory Functions activities. Flood protection and Land Drainage and Stormwater were consistent with 100% achievement in their measures for two consecutive years.

The full Annual Report and the Annual Report Summary for 2024/2025 is available to view now on the Kaipara District Council website - https://www.kaipara.govt.nz/council/council-publications/annual-report

View the council meeting discussion and decision on the Kaipara District Council YouTube channel

(23:27mins in) - https://www.youtube.com/live/7rTbiiqNxF0?si=-oOPMJ9z13RBZvyX&t=1407

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