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Key change we proposed:

What is the problem?

There are several problems with the current funding policy for stockwater management:

  • There is a wide difference in stockwater rates between the lowest and highest stockwater ratepayers. The lowest pay $260 per year. The top 20% pay from $1,600 to $9,400.
  • Around 45% of ratepayers do not use the stockwater race network for stockwater. This adds to perceptions of unfairness amongst non-users.
  • The policy is not perceived as providing strong financial incentives for water users to shift to more efficient sources of stockwater.
  • There is no alternative to address this unfairness and improve financial incentives other than to increase the minimum charge.
  • Targeted rates based on charges for services are unfair as the information on services in the rating database is not robust.
  • As races close, the number of ratepayers paying targeted rates declines meaning that a budget exceeding $1M is divided between fewer ratepayers over time, making the current approach unsustainable.


Please read our full consultation document to see the range of options available for funding Stockwater Management, and an assessment of each option.


Other changes proposed

Other changes - Minor adjustments to funding sources

Activity 2021-24 Policy Proposed Reason/Rationale
Drinking Water 100% Uniform Targeted Rate 95-100% Uniform Targeted Rate
0-5% Fees & Charges
The proposal recognises revenue from fees & charges as volumetric charge
applies to extraordinary users.
Wastewater 100% Uniform Targeted Rate 90-100% Uniform Targeted Rate
0-5% Fees & Charges
0-5% Other Sources (grass sales revenue)
The proposal recognises revenue from fees & charges and other sources such
as grass sales.
Solid Waste Collection 100% Uniform Targeted Rate 95-100% Uniform Targeted Rate
0-5% Fees & Charges
The proposal recognises revenue from fees & charges.
Ashburton Youth Council 100% UAGC Activity deleted Council has decided to engage with youth in other ways, which are funded
through other activities.
Commercial Property Contribution to general rate & UAGC 100% Fees & Charges The proposal is consistent with how revenue sources for all activities
are explained in the policy & acknowledges use of surplus.
Forestry Contribution to general rate & UAGC 100% Other Source (Forestry Net profit of sales) The proposal is consistent with how revenue sources for all activities are
explained in the policy & acknowledges use of surplus.
Cemeteries 20-40% General Rate
60-80% Fees & Charges
40-50% General Rate
50-60% Fees & Charges
The activity often struggles to achieve enough revenue from fees & charges.
With cemetery extension the operating expenditure for the activity has also
increased.
We are proposing to implement 40-50% range for use of general rate with the
intention of maximising fees and charges,
Ashburton Library 100% UAGC 95-100% UAGC
0-5% Fees & Charges
The proposal recognises revenue from fees & charges.
Ashburton Art Gallery & Museum 100% UAGC 95-100% UAGC
0-5% Fees & Charges
The proposal recognises revenue from fees & charges.


Other changes - Activities separated

Activity 2021-24 Policy Proposed Reason/Rationale
Ashburton Airport Activity part of Commercial Property
in current policy
50-60% General Rate
40-50% Fees & Charges
Improves transparency of airport funding.
Campgrounds Part of combination of activities
under Reserves & Campgrounds
65-75% General Rate
25-35% Fees & Charges
Improves transparency of campground funding.



Rating Boundaries

We also proposed changes to our rating boundaries. See below for further information on what changes we proposed and why.

Contact Us

Have questions or want to learn more about a project, contact us below:

Phone 03-307 7700
Email info@adc.govt.nz
Website www.ashburtondc.govt.nz
In writing

2 Baring Square East, Ashburton 7700