At the Council meeting on 5 May the elected members made a number of key decisions.
Introducing Paid Parking
Parking in the Mackenzie District can regularly cause problems for residents and for visitors. The pressure caused by very high numbers of visitors has led to ongoing issues with illegal and unsafe parking, reduced turnover of parking spaces in town centres, and increased safety risks.
At the Council meeting on Tuesday 5 May, Elected Members voted to progress a feasibility study to develop a parking strategy and detailed case for introducing paid parking and time-limited spaces in key visitor hubs. With the aim of ultimately rolling out a fully enforceable parking framework that improves safety and compliance, generates revenue, and reduces reliance on rates and the roading budget over time.
Sale of 21 Allan Street, Lake Tekapo
Council has been aware of the pressure on housing in Lake Tekapo. At the meeting on 5 May they voted to declare 21 Allan Street surplus to council’s requirements and approve in principle the sale of the property. However, they voted that restrictions should be put in place to prevent the site being used for short-term visitor accommodation, and they wanted a focus on worker/resident accommodation, a transparent sale progress, independent valuation, and they had an expectation that development would happen in a short timeframe.
Upgrade of Tekapo Domain Playground
The Tekapo Domain playground is a popular play area that gets a lot of use. However, equipment is in need of attention: maintenance, or replacement, or removal. During the last election period a project was initiated to potentially upgrade the playground and a capex budget was allocated.
However, in the current economic climate, with an emphasis on fiscal prudence, the Elected Members voted to cancel the upgrade project. But, in recognition of the maintenance work required by the existing play equipment, they voted to retain a budget of $150,000 of the remaining $616,899, for this work.
Economic Development & Tourism Working Group
Elected Members voted to approve the establishment of a new Economic Development and Tourism Working Group to focus on these aspects of Council business.
Billing for extra water use
Elected Members voted to adopt the recommendations of the Water Committee and revise the allowance of water that is covered by the water rate part of the annual rates a property pays. Until 30 June 2025, that threshold is over 500m3. From 1 July the threshold will be increased to 600m3. Users who consume over these thresholds are said to be extraordinary water users.
They also approved invoicing extraordinary water users (those who have used more than the threshold) for the remainder of 2025/26.