Long-Term Plan FAQs - Future Hamilton
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Long-Term Plan FAQs
Hamilton City Council Long-Term Plan FAQs 1
Long-Term Plan
Consultation Document
Q What is the Long-Term Plan?
It’s Hamilton City Council’s long-term vision for our city. It sets our priorities, budgets
A and projects for the next 10 years. The Long-Term Plan carries the thoughts,
aspirations and dreams of our community into action.
Q How has the draft Long-Term Plan been developed?
It’s been developed by Council working alongside our community to understand
A what people in our city want for the future of Hamilton Kirikiriroa.
We’ve used this feedback to develop five priorities – ‘Our Vision for Hamilton’, which
Council will use to shape future decisions which will ensure Hamilton becomes one
of the very best places in the world to live.
Q What are the five priorities in the Long-Term Plan?
The five priorities for our city are:
A 1. A city that’s easy to live in
2. A city where our people thrive
3. A central city where people love to be
4. A fun city with lots to do
5. A green city.
Q What is the consultation document?
It’s a document summarising key elements of the draft Long-Term Plan. It outlines the
A main issues and opportunities we will be faced with over the next 10 years that we
want your feedback on.
Q Where can I find more information?
If you want to delve into more detail, there’s also heaps of supporting information at
A futurehamilton.co.nz/links2 futurehamilton.co.nz
What other policies are you wanting our feedback on, as part of
Q this Long-Term Plan consultation process?
A At the same time as this Long-Term Plan consultation, we are also after your feedback
on the following topics:
• Revenue and Financing Policy futurehamilton.co.nz/rfpolicy
• Development Contributions Policy futurehamilton.co.nz/dcpolicy
• Growth Funding Policy futurehamilton.co.nz/gfpolicy
What about the projects Council is proposing? Can we have a
Q say on those and what are they?
A Yes, you can give your feedback on any project considered as part of Council’s
draft Long-Term Plan deliberations. You can see the full list of funded and unfunded
projects at futurehamilton.co.nz/links. We also want any ideas that we may not have
thought about for our city.
Q What if I want to know about something that is not mentioned
in the consultation document?
A Email us at ltp@hcc.govt.nz and someone from our team will be in touch, or you can
phone us on 07 838 6699. You can also message us on our Facebook, Instagram
and LinkedIn pages
/hamiltoncitycouncil
@hamiltoncitycouncil
/company/hamilton-city-councilHamilton City Council Long-Term Plan FAQs 3
How do I have my say?
Q How do I make a submission?
Here’s a full list of how you can give us your feedback:
A 1. Visit futurehamilton.co.nz
2. Send your thoughts to ltp@hcc.govt.nz
3. Post your written comments or completed submission form to Freepost 172189,
Hamilton City Council, Long-Term Plan, Private Bag 3010, Hamilton, 3240.
4. We’ll be out and about across the city so come and chat to us at one of our pop
up events. Check out where we’ll be at futurehamilton.co.nz/events
5. Message us on our Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram pages.
6. You can also make a verbal or video submission on the Long-Term Plan through
futurehamilton.co.nz
Q When will I be able to give my feedback on the Long-Term Plan?
You can have your say on the 2021-31 Long-Term Plan between 5 March 2021 to 7
A April 2021. Verbal submissions will be heard on 13 - 15 April 2021.
Q I’m not a ratepayer, can I still have a say?
Yes. Anyone can make a submission. If you live, work and play in Hamilton or even just
A visit you use our services, facilities and infrastructure and we want to hear what you
think about the Council’s plans for these.
Q What happens once the consultation and submissions stages
have finished?
A The feedback you provide will help the Mayor and Councillors confirm the 2021-31
Long-Term Plan. The next stages of the Long-Term Plan’s development in 2021 will be:
• 4 to 6 May – Mayor and Councillors consider all the feedback from the community
• 24 to 25 June – Mayor and Councillors confirm the 2021-31 Long-Term Plan
• 1 July – The 2021-31 Long-Term Plan is in place.
Once the Long-Term Plan is in place, it will guide Council’s decision-making from 1
July 2021.
Q How can I make sure I know what’s happening during
consultation and the overall Long-Term Plan process?
A You can register to receive updates at https://www.futurehamilton.co.nz/?signup.4 futurehamilton.co.nz
What’s driving the proposed
changes?
Q What are the main areas Council will be spending my rates on?
Over the next 10 years we’re proposing to spend $3.7 billion on the ‘everyday’
A costs of running the city (rubbish and recycling collection; maintaining roads and
footpaths, keeping sports parks and community facilities up to scratch and lots
more). There’ll also be some capital projects related to playgrounds, footpaths, new
infrastructure like roads and water pipes and new community projects like libraries
and parks. Providing drinking water to your tap and managing wastewater and
stormwater is another key area your rates need to cover.
We also need to cater for what’s happening now and in the future in relation to city
growth and the infrastructure needed around that.
For more details on these and Council’s other costs, see the overview of our
Financial Strategy in the draft Long-Term Plan Consultation Document or by going to
futurehamilton.co.nz/finances.Hamilton City Council Long-Term Plan FAQs 5
Rates increases
Q What is the overall rates increase?
A To address the challenges our city is facing over the next 10 years, and help deliver
what you’ve told us would make Hamilton Kirikiriroa even better, in 2021/22 we’re
proposing a total average rates increase to existing ratepayers of 8.9%.
This is made up of a 4.4% average increase to the general rate. We’ve also
highlighted Council’s costs to help deliver work driven by central government in
our water services and District Plan by taking funding out of what we collect from
general rates and ringfencing it as a new targeted rate called the compliance rate.
This is equivalent to a 4.5% average rates rise.
After year one, the annual average rates increase to existing ratepayers would be
4.9% (made up of both the general and targeted rates) every year.
The rates increases seek to balance affordability to ratepayers while tackling the
challenges of being one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing cities. It also covers
stricter water and planning compliance work required by central government.
Q What does that mean for my property’s rates?
You can check what the proposed impact on your rates will be for 2021/22 by going
A to futurehamilton.co.nz and typing in your address.
Q Is there any help available to me if I can’t afford the rates
increase?
A Hamilton City Council is proud to offer low-income ratepayers a rates discount in
addition to the nationwide rates rebate supported by the Department of Internal
Affairs (DIA). The DIA rates rebate takes into account the ratepayer’s income, the cost
of their rates, and if they have any dependants to assess whether they qualify.
The Council’s rates rebate considers additional criteria including financial assets and
the ownership structure of the property. For more information on our rates rebates,
go to hamilton.govt.nz/rates.6 futurehamilton.co.nz
Other rates changes and/or info
Q How do our rates compare?
A Even with rates increases of previous years, Hamilton’s average residential rates have
remained lower than other growing cities and neighbouring councils. You can see
how we compare with other councils in our graph on page 64 of the Consultation
Document or by going to futurehamilton.co.nz/finances.
How is Council proposing to save costs under the draft
Q Long-Term Plan?
We have budgeted for costs savings over the 10 years of the Long-Term Plan, with
A a total value of $106 million. These savings are expected to be achieved mainly
through:
• Property savings – we plan to reduce our property costs by adopting new ways
of working, including enabling more staff to work remotely, increasing use of
community-based facilities and exploring opportunities to consolidate worksites.
• Strategic procurement – we are in the process of changing the way Council
contracts and buys various products and services. By doing so, we think we can
negotiate better deals and reduce our costs.
• Capital programme optimisation – we continue to improve the way that we deliver
capital projects, resulting in lower delivery costs and ongoing costs.
This is achieved through leveraging our scale, better aligning the timing and
phasing of projects, and working in partnership with suppliers, developers and
others.
• Digital-enabled business transformation – we are embracing technology to
improve our customer experience, our internal processes, and our business
efficiency which we expect to deliver sustainable savings.Hamilton City Council Long-Term Plan FAQs 7
Projects, plans and strategies
Q What are the key areas Council is focusing on within the
Long-Term Plan – and why?
A The community has told Council that they’d like to see progress in key areas
including embracing the Waikato River, revitalising our central city and investing in
easier and safer ways to get around Hamilton.
The community is also urging us to enhance our natural environment and address
climate change, while continuing to support business within our city. Those priorities
and aspirations represent huge opportunities to improve the wellbeing of all
Hamiltonians.
We will also continue to invest in quality core infrastructure like roads, water and
community facilities that allow us to go about our daily lives.
Q Why is Council having to rewrite the District Plan and how
much will that cost?
A A district plan sets the framework for managing land use and development in our
city. It provides rules for creating new communities and for further developing our
current ones.
A number of new government requirements are forcing significant (and costly)
changes to our District Plan over the next few years. While the requirement to make
these changes is beyond Council’s control, this presents an opportunity for us to
redefine what Hamilton Kirikiriroa will look like in the future.
Based on what Hamiltonians have told us, Council is determined to make sure
the revised District Plan delivers good urban design across our city, improves
housing affordability and diversity, and enables a city that grows up and out in the
appropriate places – all while protecting and enhancing our natural spaces and
improving transport choice and accessibility.
Q What about projects specific to the central city?
We’ll continue to invest in our central city by focusing on opening it up to the
A Waikato River, encouraging people to live and work in the central city and make it
easy to access and move around in.
We’ll also continue supporting and providing funding for central city activations such
as the Hamilton Central Business Association events programme and the annual
Christmas parade and Christmas tree installation.
Other proposals for the central city relate to the former Municipal Pool site, Embassy
Park, the Waikato River, Waikato Regional Theatre, and safety improvements works
for some central city streets.
For more details, go to futurehamilton.co.nz/priority-three8 futurehamilton.co.nz
Q Are all these projects going to be funded? If not, which ones
aren’t?
A To view a list of projects we’ve included in our budget which will be funded by rates,
visit futurehamilton.co.nz/fundedprojects
There are also projects we’ve considered but haven’t included in our budgets. You
can view this list at futurehamilton.co.nz/unfundedprojects
Q The draft Long-Term Plan looks at what’s happening over the
next 10 years. Has Council started planning for the decades
after that?
Alongside our plans for the next decade, we’re also planning for what the city
A will need in 30 years’ time. We’ve outlined the big infrastructure decisions we
anticipate will need to be made between 2021 and 2051. For an overview, go to
futurehamilton.co.nz/strategy.
More information on each of these big investments can be found in the 30-Year
Infrastructure Strategy at futurehamilton.co.nz/infrastructurestrategy.Hamilton City Council Long-Term Plan FAQs 9
Revenue and financing policy
Q What’s happening with this policy? Is it part of the Long-Term
Plan consultation?
A Yes. We’re reviewing our Revenue and Financing Policy as part of our three-yearly
review of our Long-Term Plan. There is a separate Revenue and Financing Policy
consultation document which you can give feedback on by going to
futurehamilton.co.nz/rfpolicy.
Q What are the main changes this Policy is proposing?
The draft 2021-31 Long-Term Plan proposes the introduction of a new government
A compliance targeted rate, to fund work driven by central government to deliver our
water services and make changes to our District Plan, which is increasing our costs.
We’re also proposing to fund development at Hamilton Gardens from a general
rate rather than a targeted rate in future. Both changes would take effect from 1 July
2021.
Q How would the ‘compliance’ targeted rate roll out?
This work will be undertaken (and the cost incurred) over the duration of the 2021-31
A Long-Term Plan, but the portion of the government compliance targeted rate aimed
at District Plan costs will only be collected over the first five years. In the first year, the
government compliance targeted rate would be equivalent to a 4.5% average rates
rise, increasing by 4.9% annually from 2022/23.
Q Does the government compliance targeted rate result in a
higher rates increase overall for ratepayers?
A No. These changes, combined with the increase to the general rate, would mean
an 8.9% average rate increase to existing ratepayers in 2021/22. If we funded these
costs through our general rate, it would have the same impact (an 8.9% average
increase in 2021/22) on ratepayers. Creating a government compliance targeted
rate just makes it easier for Council to remain transparent with ratepayers about the
spend in that area.10 futurehamilton.co.nz
Development contributions and
growth funding
Q Why do we need policies for funding growth?
A
Hamilton is continuing to experience strong economic and population growth.
This comes at a cost, and Council has a financial principle that the costs of growth
will largely be met by that growth. Growth costs not covered by Development
Contributions or external funding such as Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency
subsidies become a cost to the ratepayer.
Q What does our DC Policy and Growth Funding Policy do?
Council’s DC Policy determines Council’s approach to sharing the costs of growth for
A projects which are funded and planned. There are other areas of the city which are
envisioned for growth but not yet budgeted or funded. Our Growth Funding Policy
provides Council with direction on how it handles applications from developers to
enable growth in these areas.
Q How are development contributions calculated?
Put simply, the contributions are calculated by dividing the cost of growth-related
A capital expenditure in a specified area by the amount of growth anticipated in that
area or across the whole city for citywide growth infrastructure (e.g. the ring road
and wastewater plant capacity upgrades). Contributions will vary depending on the
Development Contributions Policy applicable to the development.
Q What are development contributions used for?
A Development contributions are used to help fund new or expanded growth related
infrastructure and may only be used to fund the infrastructure for which they were
taken. The infrastructure to which development contributions are applied may
be planned growth infrastructure or existing infrastructure still providing capacity
for growth. The contribution is a one-off charge. The subsequent operation and
maintenance of such infrastructure is covered by Council through rates and other
charges.
Q Why are we reviewing these policies now?
A Council reviews its DC Policy at least every three years, and in conjunction with the
Long-Term Plan. Its’s Growth Funding Policy is also due for review this year.Hamilton City Council Long-Term Plan FAQs 11
Q What are we changing?
There are six key changes proposed in the DC Policy – these are summarised below,
A but there is more detail in our consultation documents. The Growth Funding Policy
is largely an administrative update to bring the policy into alignment with other
policies or plans which have changed in the past few years.
Q How can people have their say?
We want people to give their views on the changes we are proposing to the policies
A – consultation is open between 5 March and 7 April 2021. People can give their
view on any aspect of the policies, not just the changes. People can submit online
at www.futurehamilton.co.nz/DCPolicy, www.futurehamilton.co.nz/GFPpolicy, or
on our hardcopy submission forms available from Council’s reception in Garden
Place or Hamilton Libraries. People can also write to us or email a submission to
growthfunding@hcc.govt.nz or present verbally to Council if they wish.
Q How can I get further information?
If you want more information go to the consultation webpages for the two policies or
A if there is something else you are after you can email growthfunding@hcc.govt.nz or
phone our customer services team on 07 838 6699.12 futurehamilton.co.nz
Specific explanations of the six
proposed amendments
– NOTE: benefits and disadvantages of the proposals are
explained more fully in the consultation document
CBD Remission - retaining a reduction of DC charges for
1 development in the central city.
Council is recommending we extend the current 66% DC remission in the
central city area (CBD) for a further three years ending 30 June 2024. This
remission was originally established in 2013 and is due to end in June 2021. The
remission was introduced to encourage development in the CBD.
High-rise building remission – introducing a 100% remission
2 of DCs for developments of six or more storeys in the CBD
for three years.
Increasing the density of urban development in the CBD contributes to
increased vibrancy and economic development. Growing up, instead of out,
reduces the amount of land we need for development. Increased density also
contributes to the viability of mass-transit public transport services.
Charge residential development DCs for community
3 infrastructure projects.
Changes made to the Local Government Act 2002 mean councils can now
include some of the costs of additional community infrastructure (such as
libraries and cemeteries), in their DC charges. Council is proposing to collect for
these costs from residential development in the city.
Social housing remission – 100% remission of residential
4 DCs for registered social housing providers and charitable
trusts providing social housing.
Housing availability and affordability is a nationwide issue which is also
reflected in Hamilton. As one way to support more social housing, Council is
recommending we don’t charge residential DCs for approved organisations
which provide social housing in Hamilton. To be eligible for the 100% remission
of charges, the applicant on the consent would need to be a registeredHamilton City Council Long-Term Plan FAQs 13
Community Housing Provider (CHP) through the Community Housing Regulator
Authority, or a registered charitable trust which has as one of its objects the
provision of social and/or affordable rental housing. Kainga Ora would be
ineligible for this remission.
Cap non-residential DC charges
5 Council works out how DC charges are allocated using a model. It uses the cost
of infrastructure and community facilities resulting from growth to proportion
these costs to each development unit. Council is legally able to charge this
DC, however, there are some areas where the infrastructure costs are very high
in relation to growth and applying the modelled DC uniformly would mean
some DCs would be significantly higher than in other areas of the city, and/or
higher than neighbouring councils. Charging this rate may negatively impact
development, despite the area being one of Council’s planned growth areas.
Phased transition to higher DC charges
6 Council is incurring increasing costs to provide infrastructure which has led to
higher DCs in new and developing growth areas of Hamilton. The growth costs
for infill development have not increased as much, but in some new growth
areas the increases are significant.
To increase planning and forecasting certainty for developers and avoid abrupt
and large increases in DC charges, Council is proposing to phase any increase
in DCs across a three-year period. The proposal aims to minimise disruption for
developers and the subsequent slowing of development in some areas. The
proposal applies to residential development in the Peacocke 1, Peacocke 2,
Rotokauri, Rototuna and Ruakura catchments.14 futurehamilton.co.nz
Project-Specific
FAQs
• You can see the list of projects we’ve included
in our budget and will be funded by rates at
futurehamilton.co.nz/fundedprojects
• There’s also projects we considered but haven’t
included in our budgets. You can view this list at
futurehamilton.co.nz/unfundedprojects
• Is there a project you really want us to do, or not do?
Let us know in the feedback form.
• For more details on these projects and their
options, go to futurehamilton.co.nz. That’s also
where you’ll find the feedback form.Hamilton City Council Long-Term Plan FAQs 15
Provide more safer routes for biking,
e-scootering and skating
Q What work is being proposed?
A In addition to the $69 million Council is proposing to spend in relation to on- and
off-road cycleways and paths, we’re also developing a prioritised programme of
projects and actions that will make it safer for people to bike, e-scoot and e-skate
around our city. The work would include things like building cycleways, bike/scooter
parking and charging stations and delivering safety programmes.
Q Why is Council doing this work?
You’ve told us you want a city that’s easier and safer to get around. Encouraging safe
A and easy alternatives to driving helps us ease traffic congestion, keep our people
safer and reduce the impact on our environment.
Q How much will it cost – and who’s paying?
The total cost of the programme is $55 million. This is made up of $28 million from
A Council (funded through debt) and will have an impact on rates.
For the balance of the cost, we’ll be seeking co-investment from Waka Kotahi
New Zealand Transport Agency. If this isn’t available, we’ll review and prioritise the
projects to get the most impact from our investment of $28 million. This means some
projects would be delayed.
Q What are the options Council wants feedback on?
Option 1 would see $24.5 million of the total programme of work rolled out over
A the next five years and the rest rolled out over the remaining five years. This would
enable most of the work to be carried out sooner rather than later. This option has
been included in the proposed budget
Option 2 would slow down the spend (and the work carried out) to spend about
$15 million over the next five years, and the balance rolled out over the remaining
five years.
Q What will each option cost me in rates?
The annual rates difference per average property in Hamilton would be $20 (Option
A 1) or $16 (Option 2) – both applicable from 2021/22.
Note these rates figures include GST and are indicative only. Individual property
charges will vary dependent upon property value and rating category. The
calculation of the rates impact includes the capital cost, debt servicing costs and the
ongoing operational costs from the project.16 futurehamilton.co.nz
Upgrading the Gordonton Road/
Puketaha Road intersection
Q What work is being proposed?
Over the past three years, several projects have been completed along Gordonton
A Road to improve safety. Work has begun on a shared walking and cycling path within
the Huntington and St James areas (which runs parallel to Gordonton Road) and
Council has also programmed funding this year (2021) to start upgrading the Darjon
Drive intersection with a small roundabout.
In addition to the above, the draft Long-Term Plan now proposes to address some of
the other safety issues along Gordonton Road, by building a small roundabout at the
intersection of Gordonton Road/Puketaha Road.
Q Why is Council doing this work?
Gordonton Road between Wairere Drive and Thomas Road has a history of safety
A concerns and has become increasingly busy with traffic as more people have chosen
to live in Rototuna and the neighbouring Waikato district.
Gordonton Road is currently classed as a rural road – meaning it was typically
designed for lower traffic volumes, and has no footpaths. With continued growth in
the area, further roading improvements are needed to improve safety for all road
users including pedestrians and cyclists.Hamilton City Council Long-Term Plan FAQs 17
Q How much will it cost – and who’s paying?
The total cost of the proposed roundabout at the intersection of Gordonton Road/
A Puketaha Road is $3 million.
This would be funded by Council through debt (borrowed money) and will have an
impact on rates.
Q What are the options Council wants feedback on?
Option 1 – upgrade the Gordonton Road/Puketaha Road intersection with a
A roundabout in 2021/22. This work would be fully funded by Council. Note, this
option doesn’t include creating a link to St James Drive. This option has been
included in the proposed budget.
Option 2 – push the project out beyond the 10 years of this Long-Term Plan. This
would allow Council to assess whether the opening of the Hamilton section of the
Waikato Expressway and the installation of the Darjon Drive roundabout have in the
meantime, been enough to address the safety issues in this area. If not, then Council
would also have an opportunity to apply to Waka Kotahi for co-funding for the new
roundabout.
Q What will each option cost me in rates?
The annual rates difference per average property in Hamilton would be $4 (Option
A 1) or -$4 (Option 2) – both applicable from 2021/22.
Option 2 would be $4 less per property, because holding off on doing the work
would contribute to a drop in Council’s borrowing overall.
Note these rates figures include GST and are indicative only. Individual property
charges will vary dependent upon property value and rating category. The
calculation of the rates impact includes the capital cost, debt servicing costs and the
ongoing operational costs from the project.18 futurehamilton.co.nz
Upgrading the Borman Road/
Horsham Downs Road intersection
Q What work is being proposed?
To address safety risks, we’re proposing to complete the final sections of Borman
A Road and to upgrade the Horsham Downs Road/Borman Road intersection starting
2024/25. Once complete, this key transport connection will link Kay Road in the west
to Gordonton Road in the east.
The second part of the project will be extending Borman Road from Kimbrae Drive
to Horsham Downs Road, starting in 2029/30.
Q Why is Council doing this work?
As the Rototuna neighbourhood has grown, there has been increasing concern
A around the safety and number of cars using the roads in the area. This is causing
residents to use other roads which have not been designed for this amount of traffic.
This causes new safety risks.
Q How much will it cost – and who’s paying?
The total cost of the upgrade is $11 million. This is funded by Council through debt
A (borrowed money) and will have an impact on rates.
Q What are the options Council wants feedback on?
Option 1 – upgrade the Borman Road/Horsham Downs Road intersection in
A 2024/25. This option has been included in the proposed budget. This option will not
attract Waka Kotahi co-funding.
Option 2 – start the project in 2021/22.
Q What will each option cost me in rates?
The annual rates difference per average property in Hamilton would be $9 (Option
A 1) from 2024/25 or $7 (Option 2) from 2021/22.
Note these rates figures include GST and are indicative only. Individual property
charges will vary dependent upon property value and rating category. The
calculation of the rates impact includes the capital cost, debt servicing costs and the
ongoing operational costs from the project.Hamilton City Council Long-Term Plan FAQs 19
Expanding the
Hillcrest Library
Q What work is being proposed?
Council is proposing to expand Hillcrest Library to increase its collection size, offer
A more books and products for the community and create a better space for staff
and library visitors alike. This includes a new ‘makerspace’ area within the library – a
collaborative workspace for making, learning, exploring and sharing that uses high-
tech and no-tech tools.
Q Why is Council doing this work?
Last year around 514,000 people visited our libraries across the city. Hillcrest Library
A is one of our smallest libraries but is well used and loved by the local community.
Council has long intended to refurbish the library and extend it into the Council-
owned shops, but this work has been delayed due to financial constraints.
The library is now running at capacity and often becomes overcrowded at peak
times, especially after school hours and on Saturdays. It’s expected this library will
get busier, especially when people start to live in the new Peacocke community.
We also expect to see more Hillcrest Library users from 2023 when the new bridge
across the Waikato River opens.
Q How much will it cost – and who’s paying?
The total cost of the expansion is $5 million.
A This is funded by Council through debt (borrowed money) and will have an impact
on rates.
Q What are the options Council wants feedback on?
Option 1 – expand the Hillcrest Library in 2027/28. This option is in the proposed
A budget. Although work would start five years after the opening of the new bridge
over the Waikato River in 2023, the Peacocke community will take a few years to
grow, so this option would still provide what that community will need by 2028.
However, the Hillcrest community will need to wait until then also.20 futurehamilton.co.nz
Option 2 – expand the Hillcrest Library three years earlier, in 2024/25, which will
mean we will have a bigger library in place in Hillcrest soon after the new bridge
opens in 2023. Doing this project sooner means there would be a slightly lower cost
overall (due to avoiding some inflation), although Council would have to borrow
earlier and this would impact rates earlier.
Q What will each option cost me in rates?
The annual rates difference per average property in Hamilton would be $10 (Option
A 1) from 2027/28 or $9 (Option 2) from 2024/25.
Note these rates figures include GST and are indicative only. Individual property
charges will vary dependent upon property value and rating category. The
calculation of the rates impact includes the capital cost, debt servicing costs and the
ongoing operational costs from the project.
Introduce paid commuter parking
around the fringe of the central city
Q What work is being proposed?
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ou
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se
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a
Darle
erv yA
d
e Street
St Cla
ley
iew ve
n Claud
Co
Te ue
y Street
rra
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ce
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e Avenue
e
hana venu
ley
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A number of hot spot areas have
Ro ad EnAven
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dary
et
nt
cees
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lem
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ont eet
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be
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Short Stre
cum
reet
r St Treloa
reet
Uls
Edge
ter Leaf Lane y
been identified across the city where
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tre
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lica reet
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y Ave
St
ley
e Stan
c East Street
nue
et
Pla
Lane
Stre
reet
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commuters park for most of the day
Hea
et
d St
Ch
rd
re
Mill
es St
tsfo
urchill Av enue
R iv
mon
Young Street
Tham
phy
er R
Abbo
Ha
oad
Rich
rd
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tre
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ter
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hene
et
on
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r Stre Gillies Avenue
while they are at work. These are around
Will
u St et
Stre
ough
r
Rim
Stre
by
et
Stre
Bell Str
et
et
ad
et o Ro
t Piak d
Stre
ith Wil Str
ee
Roa
eet
lou oo
l
klyn
ldsm Tris
tram ghb rp et o ad
Bro
the ‘fringe’ edges of the central city and
Go
Hami
Stre yS Live tre s Ro
et tre sS dela
nd
Geor
et nce Clau
lton
Li le
Ha
Bond
Pri
rw
ge St
eet
Parad
oo
oha Str
New
et
Lon
Stre
Palm
Street
d St
Te Ar
reet
eill
Avenue
don L
Argyle
Stre
ad
e
O'N
ree
Ro
er St
nds
around key workplaces such as Waikato
t
et
a S t reet
Whyte
ela
Avon Stre
et
an
reet
ud
Via
et
Street
Parr Stre
e
Marire
t
Cla
Mas
lou
ree
nue
Stree
St
Taniwh
Wye Stre
S
ons
tle Street
tre
l Stre e t
et
Myr Warr
ton Ave
et
Avenu e
et
t
t
tre ee
Se
Hospital. The most highly used areas
lS Str t
Grey
dd
ee
Old Mil
Torring
Bry
M il or Str
on
ev on
ce
Vic
Street
str nd
e
Ro
St
La
Ba
tori
Ro
Hall Lan
Lo Street
ne
reet
ad
rto
agh
et
Lake
aS
Empire
ue
Arm
nS
tre
tre
ne Op
n
ll S
Ro
d
tre
ve
La a
et
Ha Norto lla Ro oia
ad
rA
et
Haig n Road be ds
include Memorial Avenue and areas
ne
Ro
pe
sa n t
t
Ca ela
La
ee
a Stree
Slo
ud d
rook
Str
St
er
Cla et
re
tre Rothb
art
e
et
erc
aS
Qu
t
t ee
m
ee Alm
e
Str
m
lag
De Str
Co
o
Vil
ce Rir
Bry
von
along River Road, the streets around
W
W
Ke
t
ee
Ro
orl
nt
aik
Str
S t
ad
Ke
e
Pl
tre reet ee
g
y
a
d
Kin
et de t St lace
Str
to
Street
ace
ll erse nP son
Str rd rde
Riv
Som t Daw
ee Wa Str
ee Ga
er
Hig t et
Mem
b
h Mo Nis e et
Hamilton Girls’ High School and Seddon
Str Str lace
Von Tem
an
oria
ee
t a St Ca
ro
e sP
Tri
ree on
l Dr
re-J
W
te t
s tr
rlo
Ale
ive
Street
a
oo
psky
o Islin M Beale
am
xa
St gto er
nd
re pp
t
ree
Up
Street
et n Sa
Str
ra
Stre
ue
et
pe
An
a St
Str
en
Park, Pembroke Street plus more.
ee
et
rK
tre
et
Av
ee
gle
en
ram
t
Stre
s et
t
ui S
tS
en tre
s
Ma
ea
tre
e S
Hill
Qu Lak et od
et
Tain
Gra
Ho
S
eR tre
nth
tre
Bandon Street oad et
Fo
am
dS tre reet
et
wle
Stre
oo ox
S
et Clyde
St
rs
gw Kn
Commuters currently park in these areas
Av
llin Street
nt
en
Co Clyde
ce
ue
Cres
reet
y St
kera
Park
Thac de
Tis
Rotoroa Drive ara
ens
da
cP
Pem b
ll S
Ellis Street
za
at no cost and with no time limits.
Que
An
tre
roke Lane
et
Street
et ws Cook
Stre Me
ter
Mary Street
et t
Hun Stre ord ee
Killarney Road Killarne ence Du
nsf Str
y Roa Clar or
dn
Queens Avenue
d Ra
et
Stre
ton
m ers
We’ve identified approximately 2000 car
An
Pal gto n Street
gle
P l a ce
Wellin
se
Belf a
ce
st
aS
rra
Ru
tre
Te
ak
Man
et
gh
iw
rou
ning
iR
Glenn
parking spaces that could be changed
sbo
is Pla
oa
ce
Stre
d
Fow
Hill
Lake Rotoroa
Rotoroa Drive
et
Ham
Lake D o mai n
St
reet
t
ee
mon
MacFa
Str
Galway Avenue
rive
ert
d St
Alb
eD
rlane
reet
from free all-day parking to paid parking.
co
reet
Dri
Jelli
ve
Street
St
W ir e mu Street
Pembroke
Fergusso
t
r Stree
The charge would average between $5
i sloe Terrace
Pa
Naylo
n Street
rk
Terrace
Plun
Rim t
min Stree
ke
e
S tr el et
ll
El is
Valley Terrac
gto Newa
t Te
n Driv
Tidd Street
ue
e
rra ce
Bl ed
Gilbass Ave
en
nu
e eet
Av
w Str
Horne Street
Onslo
Place
to $8 per day (depending on the street)
ass
g s Place
b
Gil
Aztec
Co
Duke
bh
Stre Has n Lake
et
Dillon
Cres
Alison Street
am
ce nt
Selwyn Street
t
cen
Dr
Place
ive
and it’s expected will generate around
es
Kowhai Str
R o ad
ee
Cr
Ohaupo Road
t
Indica ve CBD Fringe (for Commuter Parking Opportuni es)
Pem broke Street
Qu en
ke
La
Hague
t
Camellia Place ue Stree
en 1 Sillary
nD
Gras Av
riv
s
sla cu
e
Indicative CBD fringe
nds is
$1.6 million in revenue per year for
Place Sandlei
Qu ail Pla ce Hib g h Roa d
Council. (for commuter parking opportunities)Hamilton City Council Long-Term Plan FAQs 21
Q Why is Council doing this work?
The revenue will go towards public transport and mode-shift initiatives which
A provide opportunities for people to get to and from work without needing their cars.
This could include improving the reliability of buses, better access to buses, and
more public transport hubs. These initiatives will help to reduce the congestion in
the city and will also be better for our environment.
Because the revenue generated would be spent on public transport and modeshift
initiatives, this option has no impact on rates. The spending will result in better
alternatives for commuters coming into the central city
Q How much will it cost – and who’s paying?
The expected revenue from this initiative (should Option 1 go ahead) is $1.6 million
A per year. There would be no direct cost to ratepayers as the parking fees would
be paid only by people parking in the designated fringe areas (estimated to be on
average between $5 to $8 per day per vehicle). There would be no costs required
related to infrastructure as people would pay through the ‘Pay My Park’ app.
Q What are the options Council wants feedback on?
Option 1 – introduce paid commuter parking around the fringe of the central city.
A If this option is chosen, Council will provide ratepayers with a more detailed plan of
the areas where commuter parking will be charged for; and how much the charges
will be. This option has been included in the proposed budget.
Option 2 – keep it as it is. This option does not introduce parking charges around
the fringe of the central city and means we would not be able to spend the
proposed revenue on additional public transport or mode-shift initiatives.
Q What will each option cost me in rates?
The annual rates difference per average property in Hamilton would be $0 for both
A options from 2021/22, however, option 2 means we would not be able to spend the
proposed revenue on additional public transport or mode-shift initiatives.
Note these rates figures include GST and are indicative only. Individual property
charges will vary dependent upon property value and rating category. The
calculation of the rates impact includes the capital cost, debt servicing costs and the
ongoing operational costs from the project.22 futurehamilton.co.nz
New walking and cycling bridge
across the Waikato River
Q What work is being proposed?
Rotary Hamilton has partnered with Momentum Waikato for a project to construct
A a new walking and cycling bridge across the Waikato River. Although it will be a
partner project, Council will be taking the lead in communication with these key
partners.
Q Why is Council doing this work?
The bridge will create a new and safer way for people to walk, bike, e-scoot and
A e-skate to and from the central city and the eastern side of the river, schools in
Hamilton East and The University of Waikato. This will also take pressure off our roads
and off our carparks.
Q How much will it cost – and who’s paying?
The total cost of the bridge is $28 million.
A We propose $11 million of this will be funded by Council through debt (borrowed
money) which will have an impact on rates. We anticipate around $17 million will be
funded by external partners.
Council will only be a key financial contributor to the project on the basis that the
remaining funding is sought from a range of external partners.
Q What are the options Council wants feedback on?
Option 1 – contribute $11 million to the new walking and cycling bridge. Council
A will cap its contribution to this level. Other partners will be expected to contribute
the remaining $17 million. This option has been included in the proposed budget.
Option 2 – spend more. This option would see us increase our funding from $11
million to $13 million. Our contribution would be capped at this level and funded by
debt. This means Council could provide greater assurance that the project would go
ahead, and it would be completed more quickly – although Council would have to
borrow more.
Q What will each option cost me in rates?
The annual rates difference per average property in Hamilton would be $21 (Option
A 1) from 2021/22 or $26 (Option 2) from 2021/22.Hamilton City Council Long-Term Plan FAQs 23
Note these rates figures include GST and are indicative only. Individual property
charges will vary dependent upon property value and rating category. The
calculation of the rates impact includes the capital cost, debt servicing costs and the
ongoing operational costs from the project.
Second boat jetty at Hamilton
Gardens
Q What work is being proposed?
A A second jetty would be built at Hamilton Gardens, along with fully accessible
pathways linking it to Hamilton Gardens facilities and carparks.
Q Why is Council doing this work?
A
Hamiltonians love spending time in and around the Waikato River. In particular, the
section of the river next to Hamilton Gardens is incredibly popular with boat users
and people swimming and jumping off the river banks.
We also have an amazing opportunity to make better use of our river and a second
jetty will help us to achieve this by providing more river transport options.
However, there have been ongoing concerns about safety in the area, due to
increased boat use of the existing Hamilton Gardens’ jetty and the practice of diving
off the adjacent cliff. These issues would be addressed by creating a second jetty for
Hamilton Gardens and moving boat activities to that location. A new jetty will also
better open up Hamilton Gardens to the Waikato River and provide opportunities for
people to easily, and safely, travel from the Gardens to our central city and beyond.
Q How much will it cost – and who’s paying?
The total cost of the new jetty is $3 million. This will be funded by Council through
A debt (borrowed money) and will have an impact on rates.
Q What are the options Council wants feedback on?
A Option 1 – build the new jetty at Hamilton Gardens between 2026 and 2028. This
option has been included in the proposed budget.
Option 2 – built it sooner (2021/22 to 2022/23). This would mean the project would
cost less (due to avoiding some inflation) but may mean we would have to increase
rates earlier (from 2021/22) to help fund the upgrade.24 futurehamilton.co.nz
Q What will each option cost me in rates?
The annual rates difference per average property in Hamilton would be $6 (Option
A 1) from 2026/27 or $4 (Option 2) from 2021/22.
Note these rates figures include GST and are indicative only. Individual property
charges will vary dependent upon property value and rating category. The
calculation of the rates impact includes the capital cost, debt servicing costs and the
ongoing operational costs from the project.
Increasing recreational swim space at
Waterworld
Q What work is being proposed?
A We have a couple of options to address the need for recreational swim space
which should be balanced with what’s affordable for our ratepayers. One option is to
build a seasonal dome over Waterworld’s outdoor pool; the other is to build a new
indoor leisure pool in another five years instead.
Q Why is Council doing this work?
Last year, more than 271,000 people visited our pools at Waterworld in Te Rapa
A and the Gallagher Aquatic Centre in Melville. Our growing population is resulting in
more demand all year round for recreational swimming space in our city, and we’re
expecting this to continue over the next 10 years. Both of our pool complexes have a
mixture of indoor and outdoor pools. Outdoor pools are highly used in summer, but
not suitable for the cooler months. In short, we just don’t have enough recreational
pool space to meet our needs – and we need a solution which can also be used year-
round.
Q How much will it cost – and who’s paying?
The total cost of the seasonal dome is $6 million, while the total cost of the new
A indoor leisure pool is $26 million.
This is funded by Council through debt (borrowed money) and will have an impact
on rates.
Q What are the options Council wants feedback on?
Option 1 – increase recreational swim space by putting a seasonal dome over the
A outdoor pool at Waterworld in 2023. A seasonal dome is a removable structure that
covers the pool and means our outdoor pool will be useable in winter. This option
has been included in the proposed budget.Hamilton City Council Long-Term Plan FAQs 25
The rates impact would start from 2021/22, with work on the dome completed in
2023. Council would still need to build an additional outdoor pool in the future, but
not within the next 10 years.
Option 2 – build a new leisure pool at Waterworld. This indoor pool would come at a
high cost in comparison with Option 1.
The rates impact would start in 2025, with work on the new pool beginning in
2026/27.
Q What will each option cost me in rates?
The annual rates difference per average property in Hamilton would be $13 (Option
A 1) from 2021/22 or $50 (Option 2) from 2025/26.
Note these rates figures include GST and are indicative only. Individual property
charges will vary dependent upon property value and rating category. The
calculation of the rates impact includes the capital cost, debt servicing costs and the
ongoing operational costs from the project.
Charging for parking at Hamilton
Gardens
Q What work is being proposed?
A As well as investing $15 million in new themed gardens, we’re also proposing to
invest a further $500,000 per year on improving and adding new services and
facilities, such as directional signage, apps to give visitors more information, mobility
options, shade structures etc.
Q Why is Council doing this work?
A Regarded as one of our city’s jewels, Hamilton Gardens attracted more than 371,000
visitors to its enclosed gardens last year. While COVID-19 has had an obvious
impact on the number of overseas visitors we receive, our local visitor numbers have
remained steady.
In recent years we have considered many ways to increase revenue at Hamilton
Gardens to offset the costs to ratepayers and to enhance the services and facilities
at the Gardens. This has included looking at options such as charging non-
Hamiltonians a fee to visit the themed gardens, and charging tour buses for parking,
which would help us achieve this solution.
Providing directional signage, apps to give visitors more information, more mobility
options and shade structures also make the Gardens a more pleasant and accessible
place to be, so everyone can enjoy its attractions.26 futurehamilton.co.nz
Q How much will it cost – and who’s paying?
The separate $15 million collected through rates will be specifically used for the
A development of new themed gardens at Hamilton Gardens, and would be funded
out of the general rate rather than through a targeted rate. It is not part of Options 1
and 2 below.
Neither Option 1 nor Option 2 will add extra costs to ratepayers – in fact, Option
1 will lower ratepayers’ costs by $3 per year, as it is expected to generate a total
revenue over 10 years of $4.75 million. This will cover the extra $500,000 annual
investment required to pay for the proposed new and/or enhanced services at the
Gardens as outlined above.
While Option 2 (no change: keep car parking free) will result in no extra costs to
ratepayers, it will also mean the proposed new or enhanced services and facilities
will not get the funding/revenue needed to go ahead.
Q What are the options Council wants feedback on?
A Option 1 – charge for car parking at Hamilton Gardens from 1 January 2022. This
option has been included in the proposed budget. Each car would be charged
$5 and each tour bus would be charged $20. This charge would not apply to
designated disability car parks. New parking technologies that recognise vehicle
license plates would be used. For example, the technology could allow for those
who have purchased goods at the Information Centre or food at the Gardens Café to
be exempt from any parking charge.
Option 2 – keep it as it is and continue to have free parking at Hamilton Gardens.
Q What will each option cost me in rates?
The annual rates difference per average property in Hamilton would be -$3
A (Option 1) from 2021/22 or $0 (Option 2) from 2021/22.
Note these rates figures include GST and are indicative only. Individual property
charges will vary dependent upon property value and rating category. The
calculation of the rates impact includes the capital cost, debt servicing costs and the
ongoing operational costs from the project.Hamilton City Council Long-Term Plan FAQs 27
Gully restoration
Q What work is being proposed?
Restoring our gullies is a crucial step in making Hamilton Kirikiriroa truly a green city.
A There’s already a lot of great work going on in the city by a variety of community
groups who are committed to shaping a green city.
In 2020/21, we spent $110,000 supporting these groups and we invest $210,000
each year on plants for our gullies. As a Council, we’re proposing to invest $29
million to restore and maintain our city’s main gully systems, improve access through
paths and boardwalks as well as establishing a biodiversity monitoring and reporting
programme and supporting the community to care for and restore nature.
Q Why is Council doing this work?
A Hamiltonians have told us that investing in a city that can be enjoyed for generations
is crucial. Shaping a green city involves investing more in our city’s natural areas,
having a clear response to climate change and managing a safe and resilient water
supply that doesn’t impact the Waikato River.
In September 2020, Council formally adopted the 2020/2021 Climate Change
Action Plan. As a result, we have a new programme of activities to reduce our
emissions as a Council. These activities include investing in more efficient lighting, air
conditioning and heating across our sites and improving the efficiency of our vehicle
fleet. We’re also proposing to reduce our use of natural gas as renewable energy
production increases.
In December 2020, Council also adopted the Nature in the City Strategy. This has
given us direction for investment in projects to restore, grow and care for nature
across the city. We’re focussing on increasing native vegetation cover within the city’s
gully network to create thriving habitats for native plant and animal life. We want
nature to thrive in Hamilton and nurture us wherever we are.28 futurehamilton.co.nz
Q How much will it cost – and who’s paying?
This option includes $20 million of capital investment (funded by debt) to open
A access via boardwalks and remove weeds and replant underdeveloped gullies. This
option is supported by a further $9 million in operational costs (funded by rates)
which will go towards the monitoring and reporting programmes and to support our
amazing volunteers.
Q What are the options Council wants feedback on?
Council’s preferred option (option 1) has a staged investment with the majority of the
A spending in the last five years of our plan. A staged investment would allow time to
plan, design and work with community groups on the proposed gully restoration.
Option 2 would still invest $29 million but brings some spending forward from the
last five years to the first five years of the plan.
Q What will each option cost me in rates?
Both options would have an annual rates difference per average property in
A Hamilton of $48 from 2021/22.
Although the rates impact for both options appears the same, this is based on an
average across 10 years. Under this option, we take on debt sooner, which means
we’d be closer to our debt-to-revenue limit in the first five years.
Note these rates figures include GST and are indicative only. Individual property
charges will vary dependent upon property value and rating category. The
calculation of the rates impact includes the capital cost, debt servicing costs and the
ongoing operational costs from the project.Hamilton City Council Long-Term Plan FAQs 29
Still have a question we
haven’t covered?
Flick us an email at ltp@hcc.govt.nz
and we will get back to you soon!Hamilton City Council uses double vowels in te reo Maaori to represent
a long vowel sound as it Hamilton
is the preference of Waikato-Tainui.
City Council uses double vowels in te reo Maaori to represent
a long vowel sound as it is the preference of Waikato-Tainui.
Contact us
Contact us
Hamilton City Council
260 Anglesea St
Hamilton
Email: info@hcc.govt.nz
Phone: +64 7 838 6699
Monday to Friday 7.45am to 5pm
Call centre open 24/7
/hamiltoncitycouncil
@hamiltoncitycouncil
/company/hamilton-city-council
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