Well-maintained roads, accessible pathways, and vibrant cycleways make getting around our district easier and safer for all. By prioritising projects and renewals and managing our roading contracts effectively, we support active lifestyles, reduce congestion, and enhance connections between people and places.

Road maintenance is funded by a mix of rates and NZTA subsidy. Due to rising costs of raw materials like bitumen, oil, and concrete, maintaining roads has become more expensive. As a result, we can't do as much work as before with the money we have.

Last year, the Council submitted its 2024-2027 work plan to NZTA, requesting additional funding compared to previous years due to increased costs and the need for improvements to the quality of our roads. While we did not receive full funding for all identified local road projects, we were allocated $134.6 million over the three years which is the total cost to deliver maintenance on our local road network. This amount is more than we have received in previous years.

The $134.6 million received is for our maintenance programme. Council applies separately to NZTA for capital funding to deliver works on our roading network. NZTA did not approve funding for the Capital projects requested in years one and two of this LTP. We have outlined the implications of this on page 40.

In the past, we have only worked on projects where NZTA agrees to fund 51 per cent of the cost, to get the best value for money for our ratepayers. Considering the increased funding we've received, we will still be undertaking a good level of maintenance on our overall roading network and focusing the funding where it is needed most. Extra funding through rates would allow us to undertake more maintenance to improve the quality of our roads.

Footpath maintenance

Due to reduced funding for transport maintenance, we expect to fall short of maintaining footpaths at their current standard. While our previous target was 95% in good or excellent condition, we now anticipate only 85% will meet that standard over the next three years.

Last year during pre-engagement on our 2025-2034 LTP, we asked you if you wanted us to allocate more funds to road maintenance over the next two years, without having NZTA fund 51% of the project. This would result in the full costs being covered by rates.

The community survey results were varied, but the feedback clearly showed that having a safe, reliable roading network is important to residents. We are now coming back to you with some options for your consideration and feedback.

We would like to know if you would be prepared to pay more in rates over the next two years to support additional maintenance.

In two years, we will be submitting a new three-year bid to NZTA for maintenance. If there is a gap between NZTA funding and our needs, we will discuss future funding options with you.