The Central Otago District Council has begun shaping its next Long Term Plan, launching a three-year process that will guide how the district grows from 2027 to 2037.

Workshops with elected members are now underway, with the Teviot Community Board the first to begin discussions, on Thursday this week.

Chief financial officer Paul Morris led the session, asking members to think ahead about how they want their communities to develop over the next decade, and what ideas could help get them there.

A large part of the workshop focused on ‘Rates 101.’ Paul highlighted the complexity of rating, noting that the council deals with over 15,000 properties, each subject to a "multitude of different outcomes".

The council’s average rates increase for 2026 is set at 7.5%, and he addressed the Government’s proposed 4% rates cap, which he explained is not yet law but could influence future planning.

The LTP (2027-2037) process includes several major milestones before the final document is adopted in June 2027.

A full rates review is scheduled for June 2026, followed by community consultation. Budgets for the 2027–2037 period are due in August 2026, but the final audit and sign-off of the LTP won’t happen until mid-2027.

The next workshop will be held with the Vincent Community Board on Monday at 3pm and will be live-streamed. More workshops for all elected members will take place at the first council meeting of the New Year.

The council said these early workshops are designed to start long-term thinking before wider public engagement begins next year. 

Community input will form a significant part of the drafting process as the district plans for future growth, infrastructure, services and investment.

The LTP will set the direction for the next decade, balancing financial pressures, legislative changes and the needs of Central Otago’s communities.