Rising costs have resulted in increases to many of the services provided by the Wairoa District Council.

Wairoa District Council Chief Executive Kitea Tipuna said Council has reviewed the fees it charges for services with adjustments reflecting the actual costs involved.

“Council, like everyone, has been impacted by rising costs, which in a nutshell means it is more expensive to provide services.”

“We are very mindful that we don’t want a blanket affect where all our ratepayers are paying for these increases, and that it is more appropriate that the people who are using the services pay directly.”

Particular areas that will be affected are landfill costs and burial plots.

The indicative landfill increases will see general waste increase by $1, from $15 to $16 for a 40 litre bag and $3.50 to $4 for green waste (40 litre bag).

A breakdown of the updated landfill charges will be available on the Council’s website from July 1. The increase is reflective of the increased costs around fuel, inflation and government levies and reflects the costs of the solid wase market.

The cost of burial plots at Council cemeteries has also been reviewed and increased in line with the actual costs to prepare, provide and maintain a grave site. Mr Tipuna explained burial costs, which include the plot, internment and maintenance for perpetuity, had not been reviewed for a very long time.

“Our current price of $690 is significantly less than the costs nationwide which peak at $8,800. The Wairoa District Council increase is to $2,200 which we recognise is a jump from the previous price but is now reflective of the actual costs incurred.

“At the current cost of $690, the additional costs to provide the burial plot service are being absorbed by all ratepayers. Increasing the fee to be reflective of the actual costs is a fairer way of charging.”

25 June 2024

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