Thank you for your feedback, submissions for this consultation closed on 19 April 2026.

Have we got the balance between fees and rates right?

Tell us what you think about the proposed changes to fees and charges for the 2026/27 year.

Every year, Council reviews the fees and charges for the services we provide — things like pools, dog registration, community facilities, building consents, cemeteries, and LIMs. These fees help cover the cost of the services people use and help keep rates at the level already planned in the Long Term Plan (LTP).

Why we review fees and charges

Council reviews fees and charges each year to keep them fair, up to date, and reflective of the real cost of delivering each service. Some services are mostly user‑pays, others are mostly funded through rates, and many sit in between — this split is set by our Revenue & Financing Policy. This year, some service costs have risen faster than general inflation (including national requirements in some areas). In a few places, fees had also fallen behind where they need to be within the user‑pays band.

Why this matters for rates

Fees and rates are directly connected. When a fee doesn’t cover the real cost of a service, the difference must be paid by all ratepayers through their rates. Updating fees helps keep the rates increase in line with what was already planned in the 2024–2034 Long Term Plan.

How this year’s Fees & Charges link to the Annual Plan

We’re continuing with the programme the community helped shape through the 2024–2034 Long Term Plan. Delivering the 2026/27 programme requires around $3.5 million more revenue than last year. Because the work programme hasn’t changed, we are not consulting on the Annual Plan itself — but we do want your feedback on how we raise that revenue, including the balance between fees and rates.

Key changes – at a glance

Animal control

• Dog registration fees are proposed to increase by $10, reflecting rising service costs and ensuring animal control remains primarily user‑funded, as set out in the Revenue & Financing Policy.
• Puppy adoption: Adopt an unclaimed puppy (under one year old) that has come into Council care for $40, which includes the first year’s registration. This fee supports our rehoming partner to ensure puppies are registered before they leave the pound. Adoption is only available for puppies that have been surrendered or impounded by Animal Control, and suitability checks apply to make sure each dog is matched safely and responsibly.

Cemetery fees

Increases to reflect more of the actual cost of providing the service and align more closely with other Waikato councils.

Community facility hire

More consistent fees across venues, with a clearer split between commercial and non‑commercial use.

Pools and libraries

No increases are proposed this year. However, we’re adding a four‑month pool membership and a private session option at the No. 2 Bathhouse in response to community feedback.

LIMs (Land Information Memoranda)

Increases due to new national requirements that mean more checking and validation. One option — Urgent Business/Industrial LIM — is being removed as it’s no longer practical under the updated rules.

Building consents

More checking, staff time and compliance are required. The proposed updates ensure users cover the appropriate share.

Resource consents

Changes ensure fees reflect the actual cost of providing the service, are consistent with market rates and align with other councils.

Licensing (Food, Health, etc.)

A 6% increase to reflect rising service and compliance costs.

Waikato Waters Ltd on‑charged fees

New and updated fees to fairly pass on water and wastewater‑related costs as service delivery transitions on 1 October 2026.

What do you think?

Feedback for this consultation closed 19 April 2026