Thames-Coromandel District Council is asking for public feedback on a series of proposed changes aimed at keeping next year’s rates increase as low as possible.
The council says while rates will still rise in 2026/27, the proposed changes could reduce the average increase from around 13 percent to 3.77 percent.
Residents are now being asked whether the trade-offs required to achieve those savings are worth it.
To limit the increase, the council is proposing a mix of tighter budgets, higher user-pays charges, and reductions to some rates remissions.
Among the key proposals is a reduction in mowing and garden maintenance across the district. This could save up to $450,000 annually, but would mean less frequent mowing in parks, cemeteries and road berms, fewer flower beds, and a generally less manicured appearance.
The council is also proposing changes to refuse and recycling services, including reduced opening hours at transfer stations in Coromandel, Matarangi and Pāuanui. Preferred options include shorter daily hours or fewer operating days, which would lower costs but may be less convenient and could increase the risk of illegal dumping.
Another major proposal is to increase fees for council services and introduce new charges, including for boat ramps, wharves and cemeteries. The preferred option would see average fee increases of around 13 percent, shifting more of the cost burden onto users and easing pressure on rates.
The council is also considering reducing some rates remissions, including changes to excess water use and late payment penalties. These changes are expected to save about $150,000 per year but could increase costs for some households.
Council says the proposals are designed to focus resources where they matter most while keeping rates more affordable overall.
Public consultation is now open, with residents encouraged to have their say before decisions are finalised for the 2026/27 financial year.
Full information on the proposal is available here
