Who should pay for growth in the Far North?

Our district is growing to meet the needs of an increasing population, and our infrastructure needs to grow with it. To help meet the costs of growth, the council is proposing to reintroduce charges under a Utu Whakawhanake – Development Contributions Policy.

Right now, most of the cost of upgrading infrastructure such as water, wastewater, stormwater and roading to meet the demands of growth falls to existing ratepayers. Before 2015, developers were required to contribute to the cost of building and upgrading infrastructure needed for growth. In 2015, the policy was updated to remove these charges, and since then development contributions have not been collected.

Growth is not only about large-scale developments like housing subdivisions and commercial centres. It can also include smaller developments, such as a whānau building their first home, adding a sleep-out, or converting a garage into a flat.

Development contribution fees are typically required when:

• Subdividing land, for example creating new lots for housing or development
• Building a new house or structure
• Connecting to the council’s services such as water, wastewater, or stormwater
• Renovating or extending a property in a way that adds extra demand, such as adding another kitchen or bathroom
• Increasing the use of a property in a way that puts extra pressure on the council’s roading network.

Development contribution fees vary depending on where your property is located and which water, wastewater and other infrastructure your development will connect to.

Have your say

This is a proposal only. We want to hear what you think about this approach and whether the draft policy is fair and workable.

Read more and give your feedback here.  Consultation closes on Sunday 31 August 2025.

Please note: Facebook comments are not counted as formal feedback. It is very important to fill in the online survey, so your views are included.