Kawerau District Council’s consultation on its Annual Plan Mahere ā Tau 2026-2027 has closed with 30 submissions being received.

A hearing for those wishing to speak on their submissions will be held on June 3.

Key features of the draft plan were a proposed a rates increase of 5.8 percent, continuation of the district-wide drinking water pipe replacement, transitioning to targeted water and wastewater rates as part of central government reforms and increasing funding of depreciation for strategic assets.

Delivering the residential development at Stoneham Park also remained a priority.

Four public meetings were held over the past month, three at the Kawerau Concert Chambers and one at Rautahi Marae, along with a drop-in session at the Rangi Delamere Centre.

Communications manager Tania Humberstone said the engagement sessions had reasonable numbers of people attending and were a good chance to update the community on matters pertaining to local government reforms, water renewals and residential developments.