Long Term Plan
Every three years, local councils in New Zealand are required to produce a Long-Term Plan (LTP) that outlines the vision, priorities and activities of the council for the next ten years. The LTP is one of the most important documents produced by the council as it sets out the framework for how we will deliver services and infrastructure for our community.
The LTP process involves consultation with the community, and it is an opportunity for you to have your say on what we should be prioritising and how we should be allocating resources.
- Our Long-Term Plan is broken down into three main sections:
- Our community outcomes - this section outlines the vision and aspirations for our community over the next ten years. It sets out what we want to achieve and how we will measure our success.
- Our activities - this section details the activities we will undertake to achieve our community outcomes. This includes the delivery of services and infrastructure, as well as any major projects we will be undertaking.
- Our finances - this section sets out the funding required to deliver our activities over the next ten years. It details how we will fund these activities, including rates, fees and charges, and any additional funding we may receive from external sources.
The LTP is an important document for our community as it sets out how we will work towards achieving our collective goals. We encourage you to get involved in the consultation process and have your say on what is important to you.
You can view the Waikato Long Term Plan here.
District Plan
A district plan is a document that outlines how land can be used and developed in a specific district. It provides a framework for decision-making around resource management issues and ensures that any development is in line with the community's values, goals, and aspirations.
Each district in New Zealand has its own district plan, which is created by the local council in consultation with the community, stakeholders, and other government agencies. The plan is reviewed every 10 years to ensure it remains relevant and up to date.
What does the district plan include?
The district plan includes rules, policies, and objectives that guide decision-making around resource management issues.
- It covers a range of topics, including:
- Land use: the types of activities that are allowed in different areas, such as residential, commercial, or industrial.
- Natural hazards: how to manage risks associated with natural hazards such as floods, earthquakes, and landslides.
- Environment: how to protect and enhance the natural environment, including waterways, vegetation, and wildlife.
- Transport: how to manage transport issues, including parking, public transport, and cycling.
-
Heritage: how to protect and conserve the district's heritage and cultural values.
Why is the district plan important?
The district plan is an essential tool for ensuring that development and growth in the district are managed in a way that benefits the community and the environment. It provides a clear set of rules and guidelines for developers, landowners, and decision-makers, which helps to ensure that any development is sustainable and in line with the community's values and aspirations.
The district plan also provides a platform for the community to have a say in how the district is developed and managed. By being involved in the development of the district plan, community members can help to shape the future of their district and ensure that it remains a great place to live, work, and visit.
You can view the Waikato District Plan here.
Annual Plan
The annual plan is designed to be a more detailed breakdown of the long-term plan. It provides a clear and concise overview of what the council intends to achieve in the short term, typically over the course of a year. The annual plan sets out how the council will implement the long-term plan and aligns with the strategic priorities outlined in that document.
The annual plan is an essential tool for the council to communicate with its stakeholders, including the public, ratepayers, and other key stakeholders such as local businesses and community groups. It provides an opportunity for the council to engage with the community and to seek feedback on its proposed activities and projects.
What’s included in an Annual Plan?
- The annual plan includes a range of information, including:
- A summary of the council’s strategic direction and objectives
- A breakdown of the council’s planned activities and projects for the year, including any new initiatives or significant changes from the previous year
- Financial forecasts and budget information, including details of any proposed rate increases
- Performance targets and measures, which allow the council to track progress against its goals and objectives
- Any other relevant information, such as council policies or plans, that may impact on the planned activities or projects.
The annual plan is a living document and is subject to change throughout the year as circumstances and priorities shift. Councils are required to review and update the plan regularly to ensure it remains relevant and aligned with the long-term plan.
Consultation and Feedback
The annual plan provides an opportunity for the community to provide feedback on the council’s proposed activities and projects for the year. Councils are required to consult with the public and other stakeholders before adopting the annual plan. This can include community meetings, online surveys, and other forms of engagement.
Feedback received from the community is taken into account when finalising the annual plan, and any significant changes made as a result of this feedback are documented in the final plan.
You can view the
Waikato Annual Plan here.
Reserve Management Plan
A Reserve Management Plan is a document that guides the management and development of reserves, parks, and open spaces within a local authority's jurisdiction. This plan is prepared in accordance with the Reserves Act 1977, which sets out the legal requirements for the management of reserves.
Reserves, parks, and open spaces provide a range of benefits to communities, such as providing recreational opportunities, preserving natural environments, and contributing to the aesthetic appeal of a town or city. Reserve Management Plans ensure that these areas are managed in a sustainable and responsible way, taking into account the needs and interests of the local community.
The preparation of a Reserve Management Plan involves a collaborative process between the local authority, the community, and stakeholders such as iwi (Māori tribes), sports clubs, and environmental groups. The plan outlines the vision and objectives for each reserve, park or open space, and sets out specific actions and management practices to achieve these goals.
The plan may include details such as the types of activities that are permitted or prohibited in the reserve, the development of new facilities or infrastructure, and the protection and restoration of natural habitats. It may also consider issues such as public access, safety, and the management of pests and weeds.
Reserve Management Plans are reviewed periodically to ensure that they remain relevant and up-to-date. This may involve consultation with the community and stakeholders to identify changes in needs and priorities, as well as new opportunities and challenges.
You can view
Waikato Reserve Management Plan here.