Updates provide clarity on Development Contributions Policy

The council has adopted a small number of procedural amendments to its Utu Whakawhanake – Development Contributions Policy following public feedback.

The amendments clarify processes and make sure statutory timeframes can be met. They do not change the council's decision to use development contributions to fund growth-related infrastructure or alter the charges themselves.

Development contributions came into effect on 1 July, for the first time since 2015. They help fund the roads, water supply, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure needed to support growth across our district. This ensures the cost of growth is shared more fairly by those creating additional demand, rather than falling mainly on existing ratepayers.

Following consultation, the council approved amendments that:

• update the reconsiderations process so decisions can be made within statutory timeframes
• clarify how credits apply
• correct a small number of minor drafting, formatting and cross-referencing errors in the policy.

The council also adopted an amendment to its Revenue and Financing Policy, so that it with the Utu Whakawhanake – Development Contributions Policy.

These updates provide greater clarity for developers, landowners and council staff.

You can view the council’s policy on development contributions for information about how they are calculated. You can also use this interactive map to see an estimate of the charges that apply to your project. Just click through to the map and enter the address to see an estimate.

Image above:  Josh Olalde for Unsplash.

Image below: A screen on the council's interactive map, which allows users to estimate their development contribution charges.