90 Seconds+
Mayor Nobby Clark returns to discuss public feedback on Invercargill’s Annual Plan. With over 500 submissions, residents agree on the need for budget cuts — but many oppose reducing support for ILT stadium Southland and community wellbeing funding.
He also weighs in on the potential council amalgamation across Southland, suggesting one unitary authority could save millions. Hear his take on rural representation, service changes, and the political tension around proposed rate increases ranging from 3.9% to 10.5%.
Industry Leaders Say Ongoing Water Increases Will Destroy Business
South Pacific Meats and Open Country Dairy told Invercargill City councillors this week that 31.5% water increases on top of last year’s 80% would just cripple their industry. Managers Brent Crawford and Mike Butler spoke to the Annual Plan submissions earlier this week and said they felt as
Aimee Wilson
🔍 Key topics:
- Annual Plan submission highlights
- Proposed rate increases and budget trade-offs
- Community concerns around funding cuts
- Unitary authority proposal and possible structure
- Financial implications for the region
Summary of Invercargill City Council 2025/2026 Annual Plan Hearings & Deliberations
- 🕘 29–30 April 2025: Public Hearings held
Over 30 public submissions were presented on key issues including stormwater rating, heritage funding, urban play strategy, public transport fares, and community funding. - 💧 Stormwater Concerns
Multiple submitters (e.g. Daryl Pile, William Uru, Mark Shirley) questioned the fairness of stormwater charges for properties not connected to or benefiting from Council infrastructure. - 🏛 Heritage Building Fund
Widespread opposition to the proposed 1-year pause of the $200,000 Built Heritage Fund, citing long-term damage to cultural infrastructure and restoration efforts (e.g. Troopers Memorial Trust, Heritage South). - 🎮 Urban Play Strategy (Slot 5.13: Cain Duncan, Active Southland, South Alive)
Mixed feedback on three play options:- Option 1 (Distributed): 47% support – Invest across Bluff, South, North Invercargill and City Centre.
- Option 2 (City-only): 16% support.
- Option 3 (Pause): 37% support – Delay due to financial pressures.
- 🚌 Public Transport & Bus Fares
Concerns from youth, disabled community (CCS Disability Action), and families about fare hikes. Council revised fares after NZTA negotiation, proposing:- Under 13s: Free;
- 14–18: $1.75 (card);
- Adults: $3.50 (card).
Resulting in $29,000 additional cost to Council.
- 🚻 Wachner Place Toilets
Proposal to close sparked divided opinion. Alternatives include keeping open with reduced hours (e.g. 9am–12pm) to save partial cost (~$107,000). - 🏛 Community Wellbeing, Sister City, Great South, and Stadium Funding Cuts
- Reductions proposed for all four;
- Community feedback strongly opposed cuts to Stadium and Community Wellbeing Fund, citing youth engagement, wellbeing, and event hosting.
- 💰 Rates Forecast & Deliberations (13 May 2025)
Original forecasted increase: 9.47% (Water: 20.46%, Non-water: 3.67%)
Potential revised increase if all savings adopted: 6.55% total (Water: 14.04%, Non-water: 2.60%) - 🏗 Major Projects & Budget Adjustments
- Rephasing of $5.5M capital work and a proposed $5M early dividend from Invercargill City Holdings Limited could reduce borrowing needs.
- Depreciation adjustments for stormwater/sewer could significantly lower water rates.
- 📅 Final Adoption in June 2025
Council will make decisions on funding, play strategy, water service delivery, and fees at the 13 May 2025 meeting, with formal adoption of the Annual Plan in June 2025.