Kōrero Mai | Let's Talk

Consulting on the Draft Annual Plan

We’re keen to hear from you about the minor changes Council is proposing to make for the upcoming financial year, compared to what was forecast in our 2024/34 Long Term Plan.

We also have some specific questions about a few key topics, including:

  • The Milton Centennial Pool 2026/27 season
  • Integration of the Tapanui Community Library & West Otago Community Centre
  • Voluntary Targeted Rates
  • Rural Water Scheme Funding Changes
  • Urban Water Rating Maps

Below you'll find extracts from the Draft Annual Plan 2026/27 Consultation Document, as well as more information about the above key topics. For a complete overview, you can view or download the Draft Annual Plan Consultation Document and its associated documents at the bottom of this page.

When you're ready to have your say, you can use our online submission form.

Estimated Average Rates Increase

At the time of preparing the Draft Annual Plan Consultation Document for 2026/27, Council’s proposed average rates increase is 20.58% across the whole district.

This is slightly higher than what is referenced in the Long Term Plan 2024/34, where we set a self-imposed limit of no more than 20% p.a during the first three years of the plan.

It’s important to note that this figure is indicative, because the decisions that Council makes when setting the Annual Plan may alter the overall rates increase. Council expects to end up within the limit.

After the consultation process, Council will be making decisions for this Annual Plan 2026/27 on 19 & 21 May 2026, and these decisions will affect the final average rates increase for our district.

Looking to make a Community Funding Submission?

Click here to submit your Community Funding request online.

Updates from the Draft Annual Plan Consultation Document

Expand each heading below to read more.

There are some differences between what was forecast for 2026/27 in the Long Term Plan 2024/34, and the updated forecasts we are looking at now for the proposed Annual Plan 2026/27.

Click here to read Council's Financial Summary and Prospective Statements.

For more information, please also refer to the Draft Financial Information 2026/27 document.

Click here to view the Rates, Debt and Investments Update from the Draft 2026/27 Annual Plan Consultation Document.

For more information, please also refer to the Draft Rates Information 2026/27 document.

We’re continuing our proposed investment in infrastructure throughout the district.

The Consultation Document contains a snapshot of some of the projects we are proposing to undertake in 2026/27, as well as key variances to the capital programme since the 2024-34 Long Term Plan (LTP).

Click here to read the Major Projects Update and the Proposed Schedule of Capital Projects in the Draft Annual Plan 2026/27 Consultation Document.

Key Topics for Consultation

  • Milton Centennial Pool

    We are considering not opening the Milton Centennial Pool for the 2026/27 season, for a few key reasons. Read more about this and let us know what you think.

    Read more 

  • Tapanui Library & West Otago Community Centre

    Due to their close working relationship, the proximity of the two facilities, and their shared need for renewal work, it is feasible to incorporate the Tapanui Community Library into the West Otago Community Centre to create an integrated community hub.

    You can read more about this, view the plans, and let us know what you think about potentially funding the integration of these two facilities.

    Read more 

  • Voluntary Targeted Rates Scheme

    The Voluntary Targeted Rating (VTR) scheme allows Clutha District ratepayers to fund additional services that benefit them directly. Voluntary targeted rates are self-funding, meaning rates funding is not required.

    Council is considering recommencing the VTR scheme from 2026/27 for a few specific activities, and we want to know what you think.

    Read more  

  • Rural Water Scheme Funding Changes

    Council is proposing to change the funding model for the rural water schemes in our district, by introducing Availability Charging and Assistance Capping. We would also need to amend our Revenue and Financing Policy.

    Read more 

  • Urban Water Rating Maps

    Urban water rating maps have been reviewed, and some minor changes have been made to ensure they reflect existing urban and some transition areas of the District Plan. The changes made also reflect urban growth.

    Within the urban water areas, a serviceability charge applies where water supply is available. This charge generally does not apply when a rating unit is being supplied by the network and a water rate is being charged.

    Property owners can review the maps and give us their feedback.

    View the Draft Urban Water Rating Maps booklet 

Submit your Feedback

Get involved and have your say about the Draft Annual Plan for 2026/27.

Kōrero Mai | Let's Talk

Get involved and have your say on the things that matter to you.

It's easy to have your say online. Alternatively, you can also pick up hard copies of all consultation material and submission forms from the Clutha District Council Rosebank Office, your local Community Library, or the Clutha isite Visitor Information Centre.

For more information, or for help making a submission, please phone Council on 0800 801 350 or email us at help.desk@cluthadc.govt.nz.