Annual Plan 2026/27 | Mahere ā Tau
The final Annual Plan was adopted by Council on 24 June 2026.
Our Annual Plan 2026/27 | Mahere ā Tau outlines services, regional priorities and now includes a total rates revenue increase of 2.4 per cent.
Our Annual Plan sets out what we will deliver in the coming year and how it will be funded, including key Waitaha Canterbury services across environmental regulation, public transport and community resilience.
This plan is our commitment to Cantabrians. It shows how we'll support a healthy environment, resilient communities and a thriving region through the services and projects we deliver across Waitaha Canterbury.
Every three years, we prepare a ten-year Long-Term Plan (LTP) as part of our local government planning responsibilities. In between, the Annual Plan sets the priorities, activities, and budget for the year ahead.
What's changed
The plan includes a total rates increase of 2.4 per cent - down from the 2.9 per cent proposed during engagement - following a series of targeted savings and adjustments agreed during deliberations.
Key decisions confirmed
Flood protection investment
Increasing investment in flood protection of up to $2 million for capital works in the Waimakariri River network.
Public transport improvement
Continuing the current trial of additional direct services between Rolleston and Christchurch through to 30 June 2027
Councillors have also supported future improvements to Metro services on Route 1 (Rangiora–Cashmere) and Route 5 (Rolleston–New Brighton), focusing investment where it’s needed most. These improvements will not affect rates, as work planned for 2026/27 will be funded from the passenger transport reserve.
The targeted rate for Total Mobility will reduce, with $1.2 million less revenue required.
A 12-month public transport trial for the Aranui community will also proceed, funded from existing passenger transport reserves with no added pressure on rates.
Biodiversity funding
A one-off $100k increase to the existing contestable funds for 2026/27 to support more on-ground biodiversity work across the region.
What we heard
Council considered feedback from 119 individuals and organisations from across Canterbury, plus 35 community members who attended our in-person Cuppa and Kōrero sessions.
We received feedback which highlighted strong interest in environmental outcomes, flood resilience and public transport, while affordability and value for money remained consistent themes throughout.
Feedback from district councils and Ngāi Tahu partners also reinforced the importance of collaboration and a Tiriti-based approach.
📥 Download the Annual Plan 2026/27 (PDF file, 4.6 MB) for more details.
