Agenda of Council Meeting - Thursday, 19 February 2026

Te Rārangi Take
Order of Business

1.0	Opening Prayer – Karakia Whakatūwheratanga
2.0	Apologies & Leave of Absence – Ngā Whakapāhatanga me te Wehenga ā-Hui At the close of the agenda no apologies had been received. Leave of Absence had previously been granted to Councillor Milmine
3.0	Conflict of Interest – He Ngākau Kōnatunatu Members need to be vigilant to stand aside from decision-making when a conflict arises between their role as a Member of the Council and any private or other external interest they might have. This note is provided as a reminder to Members to scan the agenda and assess their own private interests and identify where they may have a pecuniary or other conflict of interest, or where there may be perceptions of conflict of interest. If a Member feels they do have a conflict of interest, they should publicly declare that at the start of the relevant item of business and withdraw from participating in the meeting. If a Member thinks they may have a conflict of interest, they can seek advice from the General Counsel or the Manager: Democracy and Governance (preferably before the meeting). It is noted that while Members can seek advice and discuss these matters, the final decision as to whether a conflict exists rests with the member.
4.0	Confirmation of Minutes – Te Whakamana i Ngā Miniti Minutes of the Council Meeting held Tuesday 2 December 2025. (Previously circulated) Minutes of the Council Meeting held Thursday 11 December 2025. (Previously circulated)
5.0	Parking Controls	9
6.0	Appointment of Hearings Panel - Private Plan Change 9 - Brookvale East Residential Rezoning - RMA20230358	13
7.0	Update on Implementation of the Hastings District Local Alcohol Policy	17
8.0	Summary of Recommendations of the Community & Civic Futures Subcommittee meeting held 4 February 2026 regarding the Civic Honours Criteria	19
9.0	Summary of Recommendations of the Hastings District Rural Community Board meeting held 15 December 2025	25
10.0	Amendments to the Schedule of Appointments to Committees & Subcommittees 2025-2028 and Schedule of Appointments to External Organisations 2025-2028	27
11.0	Draft Annual Plan 2026/27 - Chief Executive Overview	31
12.0	Local Government New Zealand - 4 Monthly Report December 2025	39
13.0	Requests Received Under The Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA) Update	41
14.0	Proposed Amendments To Schedule Of Meetings	45
15.0	Minor Items – Ngā Take Iti
16.0	Urgent Items – Ngā Take Whakahihiri
17.0	Recommendation to Exclude the Public from Items 18, 19, 20 and 21	47
18.0	Appointment of Director to Heretaunga Water Storage Project Company Entity
19.0	Strategic land matters
20.0	Commercial Transaction
21.0	Project Genesis update

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Thursday, 19 February 2026

Te Hui o Te Kaunihera ā-Rohe o Heretaunga

Hastings District Council: Council Meeting

Te Rārangi Take
Report to Council

Nā:

From:

James Haronga, Parking Transportation Officer

Te Take:

Subject:

Parking Controls

1.0 Executive Summary – Te Kaupapa Me Te Whakarāpopototanga

1.1 This report recommends parking changes, which are detailed below:

ROAD	EXISTING CONTROLS TO BE REMOVED/CHANGED	PROPOSED CONTROLS
Queen Street West Carpark	Thirteen public P180 Paid Parking spaces	Thirteen new leased parking spaces

2.0 Recommendations - Ngā Tūtohunga

A) That Council receive the report titled Parking Controls dated 19 February 2026.

B) That Council resolve, pursuant to clause 5.3.1(a)(i) of Chapter 5 (Parking and Traffic) of the Hastings District Council Consolidated Bylaw 2021, to revoke thirteen P180 paid parking spaces in the Queen Street West Carpark and replace them with thirteen leased parking spaces, as illustrated in section 4.1.

3.0 Background – Te Horopaki

3.1 From time to time, it is necessary to introduce parking controls and/or amend those that are already in place.

3.2 In order that changes are legally established and enforceable, a formal resolution by Council is required.

3.3 The following information provides the context for the changes being proposed.

4.0 Discussion – Te Matapakitanga

4.1 Queen Street West Carpark – Resolve as thirteen leased carpark spaces (Recommendation B)

Due to the commencement of a new project at the former Briscoe’s building, 206 Queen Street West, several leaseholders who were previously parked at the rear of the building have been required to relocate.

As there were no alternative leased car parks available, The Parking Team has identified the Queen Street West Carpark located behind Reduce to Clear, as a suitable location to accommodate these leaseholders.

An occupancy survey was conducted from 19–23 January. The results indicated a low occupancy rate of 45.3%.

It is proposed that thirteen carparks on the southern side of the carpark, highlighted in yellow, be allocated for leased parking. The remaining seventeen spaces, highlighted in blue, will remain available for public use.

5.0 Options – Ngā Kōwhiringa

Option One - Recommended Option - Te Kōwhiringa Tuatahi – Te Kōwhiringa Tūtohunga

5.1 To add the parking controls as discussed in section 4.

5.2 The advantages of implementing the changes as recommended include enhanced public and private sector service provision and better utilisation of carpark assets.

Option Two – Status Quo - Te Kōwhiringa Tuarua – Te Āhuatanga o nāianei

5.3 Officers consider that maintaining the status quo offers no advantages. The remaining spaces will continue to operate as a public-use carpark.

6.0 Next steps – Te Anga Whakamua

6.1 If the recommendations are approved, appropriate marking and signage provisions will be completed or removed.

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

Summary of Considerations - He Whakarāpopoto Whakaarohanga

Fit with purpose of Local Government - E noho hāngai pū ai ki te Rangatōpū-ā-Rohe

The Council is required to give effect to the purpose of local government as set out in section 10 of the Local Government Act 2002. That purpose is to enable democratic local decision-making and action by (and on behalf of) communities, and to promote the social, economic, environmental, and cultural wellbeing of communities in the present and for the future.

Link to the Council’s Community Outcomes – Ngā Hononga ki Ngā Putanga ā-Hapori

Moving people and goods around safely and efficiently.

Māori Impact Statement - Te Tauākī Kaupapa Māori

There are no known impacts on mana whenua / iwi / Tangata whenua above and beyond the general community population.

Sustainability - Te Toitūtanga

N/A

Financial considerations - Ngā Whakaarohanga Ahumoni

Queen Street West Carpark – Resolve as thirteen leased carpark spaces.

This report recommends the conversion of the existing carparks within the Queen Street West Carpark to leased parking. At a rate of $150.00 per space per month, the anticipated revenue from thirteen spaces is $23,400.00 per annum. This initiative supports improved parking access while increasing revenue for Council. By comparison, the car park currently generates $5,103.04 per annum from public parking.

Significance and Engagement - Te Hiranga me te Tūhonotanga

This decision/report does not trigger the threshold of the Significance and Engagement policy.

Consultation – internal and/or external - Whakawhiti Whakaaro-ā-roto / ā-waho

Queen Street West Carpark – Resolve as thirteen leased carpark spaces.

Consultation was carried out with surrounding businesses, all of whom were in favour of the change and, in fact, welcomed it. One business raised a concern regarding whether they would be able to exit their private car park safely. This concern can be addressed through suggested changes to how they would park in the future.

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Thursday, 19 February 2026

Te Hui o Te Kaunihera ā-Rohe o Heretaunga

Hastings District Council: Council Meeting

Te Rārangi Take
Report to Council

Nā:

From:

Anna Summerfield, Environmental Policy Manager

Te Take:

Subject:

Appointment of Hearings Panel - Private Plan Change 9 - Brookvale East Residential Rezoning - RMA20230358

1.0 Purpose and Summary – Te Kaupapa Me Te Whakarāpopototanga

1.1 This Report recommends the appointment of the Hearings Committee panel for the upcoming hearing of submissions in respect of Private Plan Change 9 – Brookvale East Residential Rezoning (RMA20230358) which is to take place in March 2026.

1.2 It is proposed that the panel for this hearing comprise:

· George Lyons (Chair of the Hearings Committee and external independent hearings commissioner)

· Bill Wasley (external appointee and independent commissioner)

· Councillor Heather Te Au-Skipworth

· Councillor Hana Montaperto-Hendry

1.3 There is a reduction in the number of accredited elected members available to sit on the hearings committee at the start of this Triennium given that many of those elected members on the previous committee did not stand in the recent elections. Therefore, the committee is in a rebuilding phase with only three elected members currently having accreditation.

1.4 However, three new first term elected members are seeking to achieve accreditation to be able to serve on the committee. In the meantime, it is likely that experienced external appointees / independent commissioners will need to be appointed to specific hearings panels to assist and guide the committee in this work.

1.5 This particular hearing relates to the rezoning of land for urban development to the east of the Brookvale urban development area in Havelock North. As such an external appointee with experience in urban growth-related projects and decision making is considered beneficial.

1.6 It is proposed that the panel include experienced independent hearings commissioners:

Bill Wasley is an accredited independent Hearings Commissioner (chair endorsement) with significant experience in planning and resource management over a 40- year period. He has undertaken a range of work relating to spatial planning, growth management, policy formulation, and independent governance chairing primarily in collaborative / partnership frameworks, and as an experienced hearings commissioner. His independent commissioner experience, spans over 27 years covering a range of territorial and regional authority applications, objections, plan changes, notices of requirement, district plan hearings and Future Development Strategies. He has recently completed 3 ½ years as a government appointed Tauranga City Council governance commissioner, a role that ended with the election of a new Council in July 2024.

Bill was previously Independent Chair; of the SmartGrowth partnership (2000-2021), which is the western Bay of Plenty spatial planning partnership; the Greater Christchurch Partnership which included earthquake recovery matters; and is currently Chair of the FutureProof Implementation Committee, a growth management partnership in the Waikato, and as an independent chair of groups and committees. He has also been involved in the development of the various urban development strategies, spatial plans, and economic development strategies in Napier/Hastings, Taupō, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, and greater Christchurch.

He has had previous senior management roles in local government and the private sector. He has been a Ministerial appointee to the Bay of Plenty District Health Board, and former member of the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic Council.

Bill is the sole director of Bill Wasley Consulting Ltd based in Tauranga.

1.7 George Lyons has significant experience as a hearings commissioner and is the current Chair of the Hearings Committee and confirmed at the Council meeting on 2 December 2025.

1.8 Councillor Heather Te Au-Skipworth is an accredited hearings commissioner and has been appointed to one of the hearings committee positions for elected members.

1.9 Councillor Hana Montaperto-Hendry is an accredited hearings commissioner and has been appointed to one of the hearings committee positions for elected members.

1.10 The Hearings Committee Terms of Reference (TOR) for private plan change hearings was updated at a Council meeting on 27 March 2025. This update confirmed quorum and membership requirements for private plan change hearings specifically as opposed to Council-initiated plan changes. These updated terms of reference have been adopted in the current register of delegations for the current triennium.

1.11 Currently, the Chairman, Mr George Lyons, is the only external independent hearings commissioner who has been appointed to the Hearings Committee. The TOR allow for additional external independent commissioners to be appointed by the Council for a hearing if required.

1.12 There are a range of complex issues to be considered in hearing rezoning proposals and given the recent adoption of the Future Development Strategy which guides future urban growth over the next 30 years, it is necessary to be mindful of any perceptions of preconceived bias or conflicts. Therefore, the appointment of an independent external appointee is considered prudent. Council has secured the services of Mr Bill Wasley, an experienced independent external commissioner, to be part of the panel for this hearing.

2.0 Recommendations - Ngā Tūtohunga

A) That Council receive the report titled Appointment of Hearings Panel - Private Plan Change 9 - Brookvale East Residential Rezoning - RMA20230358 dated 19 February 2026.

B) That Council approve the appointment of an external independent commissioner to the Hearings Committee who, together with three accredited members of the committee, would form a panel of four to consider and decide on the private plan change request (PPC9) for the Brookvale East Residential Rezoning (RMA20230358) - with the external commissioner being:

· Bill Wasley.

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

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Thursday, 19 February 2026

Te Hui o Te Kaunihera ā-Rohe o Heretaunga

Hastings District Council: Council Meeting

Te Rārangi Take
Report to Council

Nā:

From:

Louise Stettner, Manager, Democracy & Governance Services

Te Take:

Subject:

Summary of Recommendations of the Community & Civic Futures Subcommittee meeting held 4 February 2026 regarding the Civic Honours Criteria

1.0 Summary

1.1 The purpose of this report is to advise that the recommendations from the Community & Civic Futures Subcommittee (Subcommittee) held on the 4 February 2026 requires ratification by Council.

1.2 The Subcommittee’s Fields of Activity contained in the Committee and Rural Community Board Register of Delegations includes ‘Assisting Council by reviewing, considering nominations and recommending recipients of Civic Awards’. Aligned with this delegation it is appropriate that the Subcommittee recommend to Council amendments to the Civic Honours Criteria.

1.3 On the 4^th ofFebruary 2026 the Subcommittee reviewed the criteria by which Civic Honours are awarded and recommended to the Council amendments that the Subcommittee wished to make for this year’s Civic Honours Awards.

1.4 In previous years the Subcommittee members have asked that the Criteria for the Civic Honours be reviewed following each annual Civic Honours event to ensure that they remain relevant.

1.5 The Subcommittee consider that the following updates should be made to the Civic Honours Criteria for 2026:

· Update the name of the Subcommittee (from Civic Development Subcommittee to Community & Civic Futures Subcommittee) and the relevant year.

· Include two new categories – the ‘Environment’ and ‘Civic Pride’.

· Remove discretion for the Subcommittee to receive/consider nominations for meritorious voluntary service in the Hastings District to the Community Response and Recovery from the effects of Cyclone Gabrielle.

· Include the maximum number of individual awards (12) to ensure the event can be delivered within the allowable budget.

· Clarify that meritorious voluntary service includes long service of 10 years duration or more.

· Clarify that Civic Honours awards can be awarded up to two years posthumously.

1.6 The Subcommittee recommends to Council the adoption of the Criteria for the Civic Honours Awards 2026 as contained in Attachment 1 which includes the recommended amendments of the Subcommittee.

2.0 Recommendation – Ngā Tūtohunga

A) That Council receive the report titled Summary of Recommendations of the Community & Civic Futures Subcommittee meeting held 4 February 2026 regarding the Civic Honours Criteria dated 19 February 2026.

B) The following recommendations of the Community & Civic Futures Subcommittee held 4 February 2026 be ratified:

“Item 6 Review of Civic Honours Awards Criteria”

B) That the Community & Civic Futures Subcommittee recommend to Council the adoption of the Criteria for the Civic Honours Awards 2026 as contained in Attachment 2 (CG-18-11-00010) with any amendments agreed to by the subcommittee.

Attachments:

1 ⇩

Civic Honours Criteria 2026

CG-18-01-00090

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Thursday, 19 February 2026

Te Hui o Te Kaunihera ā-Rohe o Heretaunga

Hastings District Council: Council Meeting

Te Rārangi Take
Report to Council

Nā:

From:

Louise Stettner, Manager, Democracy & Governance Services

Te Take:

Subject:

Amendments to the Schedule of Appointments to Committees & Subcommittees 2025-2028 and Schedule of Appointments to External Organisations 2025-2028

1.0 Purpose and summary - Te Kaupapa Me Te Whakarāpopototanga

1.1 On 2 December 2025 Council agreed the memberships to all Committees, Subcommittees and appointments to External Organisations for the 2025–2028 triennium. Since those initial appointments were made, elected members have had an opportunity to reflect on their workloads, external commitments and areas of interest. The Mayor has also reviewed committee composition to support appropriate alignment of skills, experience, availability and governance needs across committees and external appointments. These amendments reflect this review, councillor requests, and the ongoing alignment of committee responsibilities across governance portfolios.

1.2 Amendments to the Schedule of Appointments to Committees & Subcommittees 2025–2028

Hearings Committee

1.3 The Hearings Committee Terms of Reference allow for up to seven elected members. Strengthening the committee’s capacity supports scheduling flexibility and ensures sufficient panel depth for upcoming hearings.

1.4 Cr Elisha Milmine will be appointed as an additional member of the Hearings Committee, filling one of the vacant positions permitted under the Terms of Reference.

1.5 Cr Derek Nowell-Usticke will be appointed to the Hearings Committee, replacing Cr Steve Gibson, who has requested to step down from this committee.

1.6 These adjustments bring the committee closer to its full complement and provide greater resilience in panel formation and workload management.

Ōmarunui Refuse Landfill Joint Committee

1.7 The Ōmarunui Refuse Landfill Joint Committee is a joint governance body established between Hastings District Council and Napier City Council to oversee the strategic direction, environmental compliance, financial performance and long-term management of the Ōmarunui landfill facility.

1.8 The Committee considers matters including regulatory compliance, capital planning, operational reporting, waste minimisation strategy, environmental monitoring and long-term asset management.

1.9 Cr Hana Montaperto Hendry has expressed interest in serving on this Committee.

1.10 Following consideration of committee composition to ensure governance capability and alignment across portfolios, Cr Hana Montaperto Hendry will replace Cr Siiam Daniel as a member of the Ōmarunui Refuse Landfill Joint Committee, and Cr Siiam Daniel will become the alternate member.

Risk and Assurance Committee

1.11 The Risk and Assurance Committee provides governance oversight of Council’s enterprise risk management framework, internal control systems, compliance environment and organisational assurance processes.

1.12 Its responsibilities include reviewing strategic and operational risk registers, monitoring mitigation strategies, considering internal and external audit findings, overseeing business continuity and resilience planning, and supporting Council’s overall governance assurance framework.

1.13 Cr Yvonne Lorkin has expressed interest in serving on this Committee. Following consideration of committee composition to ensure governance capability and alignment across portfolios, Cr Yvonne Lorkin will replace Cr Steve Gibson as a member of the Risk and Assurance Committee.

1.14 All amendments are shown as tracked changes in Attachment 1 – Schedule of Appointments to Committees & Subcommittees 2025–2028.

1.15 Amendments to the Schedule of Appointments to External Organisations 2025–2028

Coastal Hazards Advisory Group

1.16 The Coastal Hazards Advisory Group has been established by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council to provide dedicated project governance for the Clifton to Tangoio Coastal Hazards Strategy, following the conclusion of the previous Joint Committee structure.

1.17 The Group’s focus is on providing oversight during the concluding phases of community engagement and in the lead-up to formal decision-making by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council as part of its next Long-term Plan.

1.18 Cr Alwyn Corban and Cr Hana Montaperto-Hendry will be Hastings District Council’s representatives. Cr Nick Ratcliffe will be the alternate member.

Towards Predator Free Hawke’s Bay

1.19 Towards Predator Free Hawke’s Bay has requested councillor representation on its Leadership Group to support advocacy, community engagement and communications. The group is progressing development of a region-wide predator control plan following the successful receipt of funding from the Lotteries Heritage Fund.

1.20 Cr Steve Gibson will be Council’s representative on this group.

Disability Reference Group

1.21 The Disability Reference Group provides advice to Council on accessibility, universal design, inclusion and service delivery impacts for disabled members of the community. The group supports improved access to public facilities, transport, information and civic participation.

1.22 Cr Nick Ratcliffe will be appointed Chair of the Disability Reference Group.

Hawke’s Bay Medical Research Council

1.23 The Hawke’s Bay Medical Research Council has advised that it has restructured its governance arrangements and no longer provides for Hastings District Council representation.

1.24 All amendments are shown as tracked changes in Attachment 2 – Schedule of Appointments to External Organisations 2025–2028.

2.0 Recommendations - Ngā Tūtohunga

A) That the Council receive the report titled Amendments to the Schedule of Appointments to Committees & Subcommittees 2025-2028 and Schedule of Appointments to External Organisations 2025-2028 dated 19 February 2026.

B) That Council adopt the attached Schedule of Appointments to Committees & Subcommittees 2025–2028 (Attachment 1) and make any amendments as appropriate.

C) That Council adopt the attached Schedule of Appointments to External Organisations 2025–2028 (Attachment 2) and make any amendments as appropriate.

Attachments:

1 ⇨	Schedule of Appointments to Committees and Subcommittees - tracked changes	CG-18-01-00100	Under Separate Cover
2 ⇨	Schedule of Appointments to External Organisations - tracked changes	CG-18-01-00099	Under Separate Cover

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Thursday, 19 February 2026

Te Hui o Te Kaunihera ā-Rohe o Heretaunga

Hastings District Council: Council Meeting

Te Rārangi Take
Report to Council

Nā:

From:

Lex Verhoeven, Manager - Strategy

Nigel Bickle, Chief Executive

Te Take:

Subject:

Draft Annual Plan 2026/27 - Chief Executive Overview

1.0 Executive Summary – Te Kaupapa Me Te Whakarāpopototanga

1.1 The purpose of this report is to obtain decisions from Council on the key matters and budget considerations for incorporation in the 2026/27 Annual Plan. Adopting an Annual Plan by 30 June 2026 is a legislative requirement within the Local Government Act 2002.

1.2 The body of this report outlines the key decisions taken to present an Annual Plan with a significant rate reduction from the 10% forecast for Year 3 in the 2024/34 Long Term Plan. The proposed budget for 2026/27 now forecasts an increase of rating revenue of 5.9%. In addition, significant progress has been made in balancing Councils budget. The LTP forecast $8.4m deficit has been reduced to $4.8m. The Council is forecast to balance its budget in 2027/28.

1.3 It should be noted that every three years the district undertakes a property valuation. This is a legal requirement. Three-yearly property revaluations can change the share of rates that properties pay, however Council does not collect more rates overall from the revaluation. It’s not something Council can control, and revaluations do tend to even out over time. The body of the report covers this matter in more detail.

1.4 Whilst Council has managed to deliver an overall budget with an increase of 5.9% there will be some impacts for property owners, both up and down.

1.5 This report concludes by recommending that the decisions made by Council at its meeting dated 19 February 2026 are incorporated within the 2026/27 Draft Annual Plan and form the basis of the Annual Plan Consultation document.

2.0 Recommendations - Ngā Tūtohunga

A) That Council receive the report titled Draft Annual Plan 2026/27 - Chief Executive Overview dated 19 February 2026.

B) That the Draft 2026/27 Annual Plan and Consultation document be prepared on the basis of this report, including specific decisions made at this meeting as follows:

a. A reduction in the Cyclone Gabrielle targeted rate of $3.4m.

b. The introduction of a new targeted rate for Emergency Management of $58.00;

c. The setting of an unbalanced budget at the level of $4.8m; in accordance with the broader Financial Strategy within the 2024/34 Long Term Plan;

d. Inclusion of a targeted rate for the Whakatū West Stormwater Scheme; subject to outstanding issues being resolved

e. Inclusion of a targeted rate for the Waipātiki Wastewater Scheme;

f. An overall increase in rate requirement of 5.9% for the 2026/27 financial year.

C) That the Draft Annual Plan and Consultation Document be reported back for Council adoption on 25 March 2026.

3.0 Background – Te Horopaki

3.1 The 2026/27 Draft Annual Plan process involves the further refinement of the annual budget contained for that year within the Council’s Long-Term Plan (Year 3 of the LTP). It has been approached as a bridge to the next Long-Term Plan. Whilst the Council has taken some considerable steps to reduce the forecast rates increase, it is also signalling its intention to undertake further conversations with the community during 2026 as part of LTP deliberations on options and choices in other parts of Council activity.

3.2 The key initiatives signed off by Council that comprised Year Three of the Long-Term Plan remain in the 2026/27 budget. These priority areas will compliment continued delivery of existing or agreed levels of service across the wide range of Council activities.

4.0 Discussion – Te Matapakitanga

4.1 As noted above, the starting point for the Annual Plan is year three of the Long-Term Plan which outlined a forecast rates requirement increase of 10%.

4.2 The draft budget presented today proposes a rate requirement increase of 5.9% inclusive of a new Emergency Management targeted rate.

Total Increase

Rating Area One

Rating Area Two

LTP Forecast YR3 –

10%

2026/27 rate increase –

Including new Emergency Management Targeted Rate

5.9%

4.3 This Annual Plan essentially represents Year 3 of the Long-Term Plan, but with savings. Those savings come in two key parts:

§ Cyclone Gabrielle Targeted Rate - The Cyclone Recovery work programme is being advanced by two years to enable the Council to take advantage of enhanced government subsidy rates. Those higher subsidy rates along with procurement and delivery efficiencies mean that the Council’s overall share of the cyclone cost reduces from $230m to $182m. This in turn means that the targeted rate which has been set to fund the recovery over a 16-year term is able to be reduced by $3.4m, resulting in a 2.1% reduction in rates.

§ Operational Savings - The Council has also pressed on looking for savings within its operations and has identified $3m in addition to the $2.7m of enduring savings previously found. These further savings relate primarily to personnel, consultancy and expert advice along with some refinement to the wider (non-cyclone) roading programme.

4.4 Other cost pressures or changes addressed in this Annual Plan budget are:

§ Beyond what was set aside in the Long-Term Plan to look after our assets, further funding has been made at the Hastings Library for ventilation, fire system and seismic and weather tightness. These are conditions of our building consent. Other allowances for CCTV servers and Splash Planet perimeter fencing have also been made.

§ New budget items contained in the plan relate to fitout requirements for replacement office space in the new building development at the former Heretaunga House site, enhanced works on Havelock North streams and cost escalations in the collection of kerbside recycling.

§ Funding has been retained to support the Hawke’s Bay Mayoral Forum, regional collaboration, and the delivery of regional priorities.

§ Funding to support visitor attraction to the Hastings District has been retained at the same level as FY25/26, pending decisions that Napier City Council (NCC) may make through its Annual Plan process. If NCC decides to reduce its contribution to Hawke’s Bay Tourism Limited (HBT), then further decisions by Council will be needed on the level of funding to support this activity. Recent independent research estimates that visitor spending in Hawke’s Bay totals approximately $801 million per year, supporting around $751 million in regional gross domestic product (GDP) and more than 7,600 full-time equivalent jobs across the region. The research shows that every additional $1 of visitor spending generates approximately $1.75 in total economic output. Beyond its economic contribution, the visitor economy supports a range of wider outcomes valued by the community, including a vibrant hospitality and events sector, enhanced place identity, cultural expression, and services that are also used by residents. Tourism activity also helps sustain air services, cruise visits, and infrastructure that benefit the wider region.

4.5 The Financial Strategy within the Long-Term Plan is based on setting an unbalanced budget (which was previously consulted on with the community) for the 2026/27 financial Year, to assist the community with funding the considerable financial challenges that came with Cyclone Gabrielle. This means spending more than can be covered from operational revenues. This Annual Plan sticks with this strategy (albeit at a reduced amount from $8.4m to $4.8m) due to the savings Council has been able to deliver. It should be noted that from the 2027/28 financial year the Council is forecast to be back in a balanced budget position.

4.6 Emergency Management Targeted Rate - Lastly, this Annual Plan also finds funding space to enable an enhanced response to a changing context regarding Council’s emergency management responsibilities. Those responsibilities coming from post cyclone reviews and coronial enquiries along with a transitional agreement transferring more emergency response responsibility to local authorities. The proposed rate of $58.00 per property will fund the high-level breakdown of the programme as follows:

Note: 10 dedicated staff are supported by existing staff, performing other core roles within the organisation, in addition to emergency management responsibilities should they arise.

Budget Context

4.7 In line with the approach taken during previous annual planning processes, staff have taken the opportunity to further refine financial forecasts and look at baseline expenditure.

4.8 Hastings District Council (along with all other local authorities) is required to use an appropriate inflation index within its budgets from Year 2 through to Year 10 of its Long-Term Plan. The Local Government Cost Index (LGCI) has been specifically prepared for this purpose by the Bureau of Economic Research (BERL) for the local government sector. It is the standard that the Auditor General expects to be used in the development of a Council’s LTP.

4.9 It was developed to recognise that the actual “basket of goods” a local authority purchases (i.e. pipes in the ground, bitumen on the road etc) representing the LGCI is somewhat different to the basket of goods a household purchases, commonly measured by the consumer price index (CPI).

4.10 Whilst this annual planning process has taken account of these inflation factors, more importantly it’s also based on an on the ground analysis of the costs likely to face the Council. Where contracts are in place (i.e. maintenance contacts) containing industry cost escalations these are budgeted for, and likewise in other areas like insurance and electricity also accounted for. However, in other areas where an inflation adjustment has not been needed to meet projected actual programme or project costs, this has been deleted from the draft budget.

4.11 In general, fees and charges remain unchanged aside from inflation adjustments. A wider funding review is being signalled as part of the development of the next Long-Term Plan during 2026.

Other New Targeted Rates

4.12 New targeted rates are provided for within the draft Annual Plan and open to the public consultation process as follows:

4.13 Whakatū West Stormwater Scheme – this scheme was ratified by the previous Council with the targeted rate to take effect from 1 July 2026. Key points to note are as follows:

§ This has been a long-standing issue.

§ A scheme has been designed to cater for a 1 in 50-year storm event.

§ The total project cost is $7m.

§ The scheme is funded predominantly by landowners in the catchment area.

§ The decision made by Council on 23 September was conditional on obtaining satisfactory landowner agreements and resource consent for the project. At this time these matters are not fully resolved.

4.14 Waipātiki Wastewater Scheme – Pre consultation with the Waipātiki community was undertaken during late 2025 and early 2026. Key points to note are as follows:

§ The wastewater discharge consent is expiring with a new consent required.

§ Upgrade works are estimated at $1.2m for the community scheme.

§ A funding mix of 10% public good, 20% harmonisation of the Waipātiki scheme with the urban wastewater scheme, and 70% capital contribution from Waipātiki property owners has been established.

Compliance with Council’s Financial Strategy

4.15 One of the key requirements of the Annual Plan is to report on compliance against Council’s Financial Strategy contained within the Long-Term Plan. The draft Annual Plan will outline Council compliance against the key fiscal parameters, all of which are well within policy limits.

4.16 The proposed rates increase is set at less than that forecast in the Long-Term Plan whilst the debt position is also better than forecast in the LTP. The LTP forecast debt position of $652m for 26/27 has improved to a forecast of $603m within this Annual Plan.

4.17 The Financial Strategy also provided for an unbalanced budget in 2026/27 of $8.4m, with this Annual Plan improving the unbalanced position to $4.8m. The Council is forecast to have a balanced budget in 2027/28.

Three-yearly district property revaluation

4.18 Every three years the Council is required by legislation to undertake a property revaluation for rating purposes. This service is contracted out to Quotable Value New Zealand (QV), a provider used by many Councils across New Zealand.

4.19 Timeframes for the revaluation process have been pushed out to an April 2026 implementation. This is primarily to ensure that QV can adequately inspect and capture flooding damage across the district and further analysis of forestry land.

4.20 Early indications are showing a shift in valuations from the 2022 revaluation in the rural/residential sectors to the commercial sector (mainly CBD areas of Hastings & Havelock North). The revaluation is still ongoing and subject to changes through the revaluation audit process.

Annual Plan Documentation and Engagement

4.21 A mock-up of the Consultation Document will be circulated to Councillors prior to the 25 March Council meeting. The final document will be adopted at that meeting and then distributed to properties across the district.

4.22 The Council’s online rating database will be updated with the proposed rates for each property for the coming year. This is particularly important in a property revaluation year where there can be variable impacts on different types and value of property. The Council’s engagement material will be encouraging property owners to view their specific property rates impact.

4.23 Submission hearings will be held on 10-11 June 2026.

5.0 Options – Ngā Kōwhiringa

Option One - Recommended Option - Te Kōwhiringa Tuatahi – Te Kōwhiringa Tūtohunga

5.1 Adopt the report recommendations (with or without any Council variations):

Advantages

· This will enable the Annual Plan to be adopted on time for the 26 March Council meeting, enable timing public consultation, and position the Council to strike its rates on 25 June 2026 for the 2026/27 financial year.

Disadvantages

· No disadvantages have been identified.

Option Two

5.2 Do not adopt recommendations to enable completion of the Draft Annual Plan

Advantages

· Would enable further time to consider any matters the Council feel may be unresolved, if any.

Disadvantages

· May impact the community consultation period.

· May impact the legislative Annual Plan adoption and rates setting process

6.0 Next steps – Te Anga Whakamua

6.1 The decisions taken and direction given from the meeting will enable the final Annual Plan documentation to be completed for formal Council adoption on 26 March 2026.

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

Summary of Considerations - He Whakarāpopoto Whakaarohanga

Fit with purpose of Local Government - E noho hāngai pū ai ki te Rangatōpū-ā-Rohe

Link to the Council’s Community Outcomes – Ngā Hononga ki Ngā Putanga ā-Hapori

This proposal promotes all the Council community outcomes and gives effect to numerous service delivery, decision making, financial management and consultative provisions within the Local Government Act 2002.

Māori Impact Statement - Te Tauākī Kaupapa Māori

This report gives effect to the Long-Term Plan, which has previously considered treaty principles, and addressed Parts 2 and 6 of the Local Government Act 2002.

Sustainability - Te Toitūtanga

This report gives effect to the Long-Term Plan, which has previously considered Council’s sustainability principles and obligations.

Financial considerations - Ngā Whakaarohanga Ahumoni

Financial matters are overviewed within the report.

Significance and Engagement - Te Hiranga me te Tūhonotanga

This Annual Plan contains variations from the Long-Term Plan 2024/34 and is subject to the special consultative provisions within the Local Government Act 2002. This approach ensures compliance with significance and engagement obligations.

Consultation – internal and/or external - Whakawhiti Whakaaro-ā-roto / ā-waho

A budget review board process has ensured internal budget alignment and decision making. The previous section addresses external consultation considerations.

Risks

Financial and programme delivery risks have been accounted for within the development of the plan.

Rural Community Board – Te Poari Tuawhenua-ā-Hapori

Rural Community Board were briefed, and feedback sought on 15 December 2025. No material changes to the plan were requested.

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Thursday, 19 February 2026

Te Hui o Te Kaunihera ā-Rohe o Heretaunga

Hastings District Council: Council Meeting

Te Rārangi Take
Report to Council

Nā:

From:

Louise Stettner, Manager, Democracy & Governance Services

Te Take:

Subject:

Proposed Amendments To Schedule Of Meetings

1.0 Purpose and summary - Te Kaupapa Me Te Whakarāpopototanga

1.1 The purpose of this Report is to consider amendments to the schedule of Council and Committee Meetings for the 2026 Meetings Calendar which was adopted by Council on 11 December 2025.

1.2 The Local Government Act 2002, Schedule 7, Clause 19 states:

“A local authority must hold meetings at the times and places that it appoints”.

If a local authority adopts a schedule of meetings-

a) The schedule-

i) may cover any future period that the local authority considers appropriate, and

ii) may be amended.

Although a local authority must hold the ordinary meetings appointed, it is competent for the authority at a meeting to amend the schedule of dates, times and number of meetings to enable the business of the Council to be managed in an effective way.

1.3 It is proposed that the meeting schedule be amended as outlined in the Recommendations of this Report.

2.0 Recommendations - Ngā Tūtohunga

A) That Council receive the report titled Proposed Amendments To Schedule Of Meetings dated 19 February 2026.

B) That Council adopt changes to the 2026 Schedule of Meetings as follows:

Wednesday, 25 February 2026, 1pm

Council Chamber

New Meeting

Council

Thursday, 26 February 2026

Thursday, 5 March 2026, 1pm

Council Chamber

Postponement

Strategy and Policy Committee

Thursday, 12 March 2026

Wednesday, 18 March 2026, 1pm

Council Chamber

Postponement

Performance and Monitoring Committee

Thursday 26 March 2026

Wednesday 25 March 2026, 1pm

Council Chamber

Change of Date

Council

Wednesday 25 March 2026

Thursday 26 March, 9am

Council Chamber

Postponement

Infrastructure Delivery Subcommittee

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

HASTINGS DISTRICT COUNCIL

Council MEETING

Thursday, 19 February 2026

RECOMMENDATION TO EXCLUDE THE PUBLIC

SECTION 48, LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL INFORMATION AND MEETINGS ACT 1987

THAT the public now be excluded from the following part of the meeting, namely:

18 Appointment of Director to Heretaunga Water Storage Project Company Entity

19 Strategic land matters

20 Commercial Transaction

21 Project Genesis update

The general subject of the matter to be considered while the public is excluded, the reason for passing this Resolution in relation to the matter and the specific grounds under Section 48 (1) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 for the passing of this Resolution is as follows:

GENERAL SUBJECT OF EACH MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED

REASON FOR PASSING THIS RESOLUTION IN RELATION TO EACH MATTER, AND

PARTICULAR INTERESTS PROTECTED

GROUND(S) UNDER SECTION 48(1) FOR THE PASSING OF EACH RESOLUTION

18 Appointment of Director to Heretaunga Water Storage Project Company Entity

Section 7 (2) (a)

The withholding of the information is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of a deceased person.

To protect the privacy of the individual being recommended for appointment.

Section 48(1)(a)(i)

Where the Local Authority is named or specified in the First Schedule to this Act under Section 6 or 7 (except Section 7(2)(f)(i)) of this Act.

19 Strategic land matters

Section 7 (2) (h)

The withholding of the information is necessary to enable the local authority to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities.

Section 7 (2) (i)

The withholding of the information is necessary to enable the local authority to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations).

Ongoing commercial negotiations and land disposal/acquisition discussions.

Section 48(1)(a)(i)

Where the Local Authority is named or specified in the First Schedule to this Act under Section 6 or 7 (except Section 7(2)(f)(i)) of this Act.

20 Commercial Transaction

Section 7 (2) (a)

The withholding of the information is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of a deceased person.

Consideration of options to divest of Council owned land and commercial sensitivities.

Section 48(1)(a)(i)

Where the Local Authority is named or specified in the First Schedule to this Act under Section 6 or 7 (except Section 7(2)(f)(i)) of this Act.

21 Project Genesis update

Section 7 (2) (b) (ii)

The withholding of the information is necessary to protect information where the making available of the information would be likely to unreasonably prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied or who is the subject of the information.

Section 7 (2) (g)

The withholding of the information is necessary to maintain legal professional privilege.

Section 7 (2) (h)

The withholding of the information is necessary to enable the local authority to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities.

Section 7 (2) (i)

The withholding of the information is necessary to enable the local authority to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations).

This topic includes third-party commercial information, privileged legal advice and procurement/negotiation strategy; disclosure would prejudice commercial interests and negotiation integrity.

Section 48(1)(a)(i)

Where the Local Authority is named or specified in the First Schedule to this Act under Section 6 or 7 (except Section 7(2)(f)(i)) of this Act.

Te Rā Hui: Meeting date:	Thursday, 19 February 2026
Te Wā: Time:	1.00pm
Te Wāhi: Venue:	Council Chamber Ground Floor Civic Administration Building Lyndon Road East Hastings
Te Hoapā: Contact:	Democracy and Governance Services P: 06 871 5000 \| E: democracy@hdc.govt.nz
Te Āpiha Matua: Responsible Officer:	Chief Executive - Nigel Bickle

Mematanga: Membership:	Tiamana Chair: Mayor Wendy Schollum Ngā KaiKaunihera Councillors: Alwyn Corban, Siiam Daniel, Michael Fowler (Deputy Mayor), Stephen Gibson, Kellie Jessup, Yvonne Lorkin, Elisha Milmine, Hana Montaperto-Hendry, Simon Nixon, Derek Nowell-Usticke, Henare O’Keefe, Nicholas Ratcliffe, Callum Ross, Heather Te Au-Skipworth and Kevin Watkins
Tokamatua: Quorum:	8 members
Apiha Matua Officer Responsible:	Chief Executive – Nigel Bickle
Te Rōpū Manapori me te Kāwanatanga Democracy and Governance Services:	Louise Stettner (Extn 5543)

Item 8 Summary of Recommendations of the Community & Civic Futures Subcommittee meeting held 4 February 2026 regarding the Civic Honours Criteria
Civic Honours Criteria 2026	Attachment 1

Item 13 Requests Received Under The Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA) Update
LGOIMA Requests Received from 17 October 25 - 17 January 25	Attachment 1