Bay of Plenty Regional Council holds consultation for Annual Plan 2026/27 and Long Term Plan Amendment

Bay of Plenty Regional Council has adopted its draft Annual Plan 2026/27 and a proposed amendment to the Long Term Plan 2024-2034 for community consultation.

Regional Council Chair Matemoana McDonald says this year’s consultation is one of the most significant in recent years, as the Regional Council seeks community direction during a time of uncertainty and reform.

“The Bay of Plenty is built on relationships – between people, places, and the environment,” she says. “In this period of national change, those relationships guide the decisions we make. This consultation is about ensuring our communities are at the heart of the choices that will shape our region’s future.”

Across Aotearoa, local government is undergoing major review, with proposed legislative changes that could reshape the role and responsibilities of regional councils. At the same time, councils are managing rising costs, infrastructure pressures, and increasing expectations for clear value for ratepayer investment.

Chair McDonald says this environment requires careful, future focused planning.

“We’re working in an uncertain environment, and we need to safeguard the long term wellbeing of our region. That means making disciplined decisions now, so that future generations benefit from the work we do today.

“Our communities have consistently told us they want efficient, visible delivery and long term value. This consultation is an opportunity to check that we’re heading in the right direction and to make adjustments together.”

The Regional Council’s consultation invites feedback on both the draft Annual Plan 2026/27 and a proposed amendment to the Long Term Plan 2024-2034.

An amendment to the current Long Term Plan is required as the Regional Council considers significant changes to the structure of its more than $3 billion investment portfolio.

The proposal is a continuation of decisions made through the Long Term Plan 2024-2034, including the managed partial sell down of the Port of Tauranga shareholding to diversify the portfolio and reduce risk.

Chair McDonald emphasises the significance of this next step, which explores how the Regional Council can optimise returns on behalf of the community, while preserving and protecting assets for future generations.

“These investments are intergenerational. They represent decades of effort and foresight. Any changes must be made openly, carefully, and with the clear support of the people they belong to – the people of the Bay of Plenty.

Alongside the proposed Long Term Plan Amendment, the Regional Council is consulting on its draft Annual Plan 2026/27, with a focus on two key topics. The first explores whether to establish a fund to support organisations and local councils to deliver regional infrastructure projects that enable broad economic, environmental, social and cultural benefits across the Bay of Plenty.

The second asks whether the Regional Council should invest less, the same, or more in protecting and enhancing indigenous biodiversity, as it develops a Regional Indigenous Biodiversity Strategy.

Beyond these topics, the Annual Plan 2026/27 consultation also invites feedback on the wider proposed work programme and budgets. Following a comprehensive budget review, the Regional Council has identified savings, refined project timing and prioritised core work, resulting in a projected general rates increase of 4%, down from a forecast 8.2% that was signalled in the Long Term Plan 2024-2034.

Chair McDonald says this consultation provides an important opportunity for communities to contribute to decisions affecting the 2026/27 financial year and beyond, including major investment changes, core service delivery, funding and fees.

“We know affordability is front of mind for many households. That’s why we’ve taken a hard look at our budgets and found ways to minimise the rates impact while still protecting essential work.

“But we need our communities to tell us whether we’ve got the balance right. Your feedback really does influence the decisions we make.”

Consultation is open from 25 February 2026 to 2 April 2026. There are various ways for the community to have their say, including online and at in person events.

Full details are available at www.boprc.govt.nz/consultation2026, or by contacting LTPAnnualPlan@boprc.govt.nz or 0800 884 880.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chair Matemoana McDonald and Chief Executive Fiona McTavish with the consultation document for the Annual Plan 2026/27 and Long Term Plan Amendment.