Annual Plan FAQs

Our annual plan sets out what we aim to achieve in the next financial year, through our work programmes and associated budgets. Annual plans are effectively an update on the forecasted work and financial information in the Long-term Plan. The Long-term Plan is a ten-year plan, reviewed every three years and it outlines priorities, levels of service and budgets. This Annual Plan is year 2 of the 2024-34 Long-term Plan.

There are no significant changes to the work programme from the Long-term Plan 2024-34 (LTP), but the Council is acutely aware of ongoing cost of living concerns in the community.

There has been considerable work undertaken on how to best progress the 2025/26 work programme in the face of changing costs and income, while maximising value for the community.

We are not formally consulting on the 2025-2026 Annual Plan because there have been no significant or material changes from the 2024-34 Long-term Plan. However, we are always open to receiving feedback, which can be provided via email to consultation@es.govt.nz or by talking with your regional Councillor .

The Draft Annual Plan 2026-27 is scheduled for adoption at the full meeting of Council on 24 June and will be available on our website, from our office in Invercargill and local libraries, once it is adopted.

Environment Southland funds its work programmes from a variety of sources, including through user pays fees and charges. Central government is another source, an example is the Regional Investment Fund, which has recently (2026) contributed $18m (60% of the cost) for flood resilience work in Southland

Rates are a source of funding from property owners to Environment Southland, which help to pay for the services we provide. Rates make up 55% of the Council’s income. Other sources are fees and charges, investment returns, rental income, levies and contributions and capital grants from central government.

The forecasted rates increase in the Long-term plan for the 2026-27year was 12.6%, but Councillors said at a Council meeting in April 2026 that they want to reduce it to 3.9%.

Individual rates will vary, largely due to variations in capital values. Rate amounts are unique to each property and are based on valuations from Quotable Value, using an equalisation process to even out any big jumps.

Environment Southland collects rates once a year in October/November.

The Council is acutely aware of ongoing cost of living pressures for the community and has prioritised and carefully timed the 2026-27 work programme to keep costs down, while maintaining services.

There are a range of ways to pay your rates through our online platform, Paybles. These include by credit card, from your bank account, or by scheduling weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments.

Go to Paybles: www.es.govt.nz/about-us/rates

Please visit our website https://www.es.govt.nz/about-us/rates or contact our rates staff on Tel. 0800 76 88 45 or 03 211 5115.