The budget for 2026-27 continues to be a main focus for Councillors, and we are hoping the war in Iran and other things outside our control will not derail it.

The Annual Plan has been a work in progress for several months and it is looking like an average rates rise of about 8.71 per cent (3.75 per cent of that is for mandatory three waters work). That means the rates Council collects to do the work planned will be 8.71 per cent more than collected in 2025-26.

The actual increase will depend on where you live, the value of your property and the services you receive.

Higher fuel and energy costs are evident in the draft budgets and I hope the war will be wrapped up soon, though it’s possible the high oil prices will linger while infrastructure in the Middle East is rebuilt.

Some things – like Donald Trump and Covid - are beyond Council’s control, though we have been able to scrutinise a lot of other spending in the year ahead and prune budgets where we could. It’s a careful exercise balancing community expectations with reality and rate rises – we know many of our residents are on fixed incomes, and all other households will be experiencing increased living costs, just like Council.

We must be practical, and use all the financial information at hand to support our decision-making.

A lot of information about our stockwater race network has been gathered as Council works towards exiting the stockwater delivery service by 2027. Council agreed to the closure of two more race networks earlier this month and the programme rolls steadily on – there are many views, emotions and expectations.

If you are a stockwater user, I encourage you to respond to Council letters when they arrive and learn about alternative water sources available for your property.

On a positive note, it was great to read ASB’s quarterly financial report this week and see that Canterbury’s economic outlook is brighter than any other region. The diversity of our agricultural base is our strength.

A special shoutout to the arable sector, who are facing some very difficult times.