Community projects in Pukehina could get a boost, if money previously collected for a future wastewater scheme is repurposed.

The Pukehina Development Rate, a targeted rate of $20 a year for property owners in the town, was introduced in 2000. However it was paused in 2022, due to community feedback and uncertainty around water reforms.

The current balance of the fund is $528,053 and Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s ‘preferred option’ in its Long Term Plan 2024-2034 is to permanently stop collecting the rate and repurpose the money already collected for existing projects in the Pukehina community.

The future of the Pukehina Development Rate was a key proposal for the Annual Plan 2022/23 – at the time Council received 141 submissions, and 30 per cent of people said they would like Council to stop collecting the rate, while 20 per cent supported keeping it, 31 per cent said they would like to see it repurposed for recreational purposes and 18 per cent wanted it to be paused for two years.

“There is a lot of uncertainty around when, or if, a wastewater scheme will be needed for Pukehina. A scheme may be needed at some point, at a cost of $30-$40 million, but we don’t expect it will be needed in the next 10 years,” says Council’s general manager infrastructure services, Cedric Crow.

“If we are not going to build a wastewater scheme in Pukehina then we shouldn’t keep collecting this rate. We think our preferred option reflects what we’ve heard previously and will see the community benefit from the money they have contributed.”

Other options outlined in the Long Term Plan are to re-start the rate, or continue to pause it until there is more certainty around the future of wastewater.

If it was to be stopped permanently, other options for the money already collected are a credit or cash refund to properties in Pukehina Beach of around $835.50 per property, repurposing the money for septic tank cleaning over the next three years, or retaining the money for a future wastewater scheme.

However, it should be noted there are significant challenges with refunding the money or redirecting it to septic tank cleaning, including the time it could take to administer these options, says Cedric.

"Using the Pukehina Development Rate funds for community projects will provide real benefits now. But we want to hear from residents to make sure this plan works for everyone.”

How to put yourself in the picture

• Online l wānanga ipurangi: www.haveyoursay.westernbay.govt.nz/LTP
• Hard copy l pepa mārō: Grab a feedback form at any of our Library and Service Centres in Waihī Beach, Katikati, Ōmokoroa, Te Puke or to the main Council Office at Barkes Corner, Greerton.
• In person l ā kanohi: Come talk to us at one of our community events.
• Email l īmēra: Email haveyoursay@westernbay.govt.nz with the subject line 'LTP Submission'. Include your full name and address.
• Present your views: This is an opportunity to provide your feedback to councillors in Council Chambers on Wednesday 26 June. Please email haveyoursay@westernbay.govt.nz by Monday 17 June 2024 to secure a timeslot. We will be in touch with a time for you.