FAQs

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Long-term Plan 2021-31

Are the comments on Facebook binding? How will social media be measured?

A summary of social media commentary will be provided to Councillors as part of their deliberations, prior to them making their final decisions. Receipt of comments provided through social media cannot be acknowledged – formal submissions are required.
 

Long-term Plan 2021-31

Can I submit on something other than what is in your consultation document?

Absolutely. The items in our consultation document are those deemed most significant to our communities however, there may be a particular activity or area in our region that concerns you most and that you would like to let Council know about. You are most welcome to submit on any of our activities.
 

Long-term Plan 2021-31

Do I get a response to my submission and if so when could I expect this?

You will receive confirmation that your formal submission has been received. After deliberations and Council’s adoption of the 2021-32 Long-term Plan you will receive a written response with the outcome. This will be during July 2021.
 

Long-term Plan 2021-31

I didn’t receive a submission form in the post. Where do I get one from?

Customer services will have these on hand at each office and can post a form out to the ratepayer.
 

Long-term Plan 2021-31

I don’t live in Palmerston Nth or Whanganui why am I being asked about bus services in these areas?

You do not need to provide your thoughts on every item included in our consultation document. Some services, such as passenger transport, are targeted rate activities. This means only those who receive direct benefit from a service are rated for it. These have been included in the consultation document due to the significance of change being proposed.
 

Long-term Plan 2021-31

I don’t understand why I have received this information. Do I have to do anything with this?

Horizons Regional Council’s proposed Long-term Plan sets out how we plan on managing the region’s natural resources for the next 10 years. This includes identifying the activities we need to deliver and proposing what rate contribution is required to cover the estimated costs each year.  This is then sent out for public consultation, inviting people to have their say through a formal submission process. Our consultation period is the time for you to let Council know if they have got their plan right. Feedback is then considered during a hearing process, where people can talk to their submissions before Council deliberates and then adopts the final 2021-231 Long-term Plan on 22 June. 
 

Long-term Plan 2021-31

I have a property over 4 hectares, what is this new biodiversity and biosecurity rate?

For properties over 4 hectares, the rating lines below have been consolidated into a new Biodiversity and Biosecurity rate;

  • Old Man's Beard
  • Possums
  • Rooks
  • Pest plant

Long-term Plan 2021-31

I have looked at the website and found that my increase is more that the average rate increase of 8.0% listed on your submission form. Why do I pay more that the listed increase?

It is important to note that the proposed rate increase is an average only, and actual rates notices will differ from property to property due to factors such as district rating revaluation and specific rating inputs such as river schemes and urban passenger transport rates for certain properties. To find out how the proposed average rates increase for Year 1 translates to your specific property please enter your address or valuation number into our rates search here.
 
 

Long-term Plan 2021-31

I used to have more rating lines - where have they gone?

Some properties were previously charged for the following rating lines, which are now consolidated into the general rate: 

  • biosecurity
  • emergency management
  • information
  • resource consent management
  • river and drainage
  • strategic management
  • transport planning and road safety
  • water quality and quantity

Long-term Plan 2021-31

If I put in a submission, do I have to attend the hearings and talk to Council about this?

If you would like to speak to your submission in person, please indicate this in the tick box available in the contents section of the submission form. If you don’t want to speak your submission will be read out to the Council on your behalf.
 

Long-term Plan 2021-31

What amount will my rates go up should everything proposed be adopted?

Council are proposing an average rate increase of 8.0 per cent for Year 1, 7.3 per cent for Year 2, and 6.9 per cent for Year 3. It is important to note that this will differ from property to property as rates vary for each district due to factors such as district rating revaluation and specific rating inputs such as river schemes and urban passenger transport rates for certain properties. To find out how the proposed average rates increase for Year 1 translates to your specific property please enter your address or valuation number into our rates search on our website.
 

Long-term Plan 2021-31

What are the key dates for the Long-term Plan process?

The consultation period runs from 26 March – 23 April.
Council hearings will be held 11-13 May.
Deliberations are on 26 May.
Final adoption of the LTP will be on 22 June 2021.
 

Long-term Plan 2021-31

Where can I find further information about what Horizons is proposing for their Long-term Plan?

Our webpage here includes electronic copies of the consultation document and supporting information, as well as other information we think may be useful for you to make an informed submission.
 

Long-term Plan 2021-31

Why is my prompt payment discount showing $0 on the rates search?

We are proposing to remove the prompt payment discount as it is inconsistent with Council's guiding revenue and finance principles.

Long-term Plan 2021-31

Why have you increased rates when the cost of living is already so high?

Council is aware that rates increases aren’t ideal and has worked hard to ensure the increase doesn’t exceed what was already forecast, particularly at a time when things such as inflation and insurance costs are high. Unfortunately, these are the things that affect Horizons too.