We are pleased to publish our Annual Report for 2024/25 as well as the more condensed Annual Report Summary document.
Key highlights of the 2024/25 year included:
Rates Increase Managed Below Forecast in the Annual Plan
Council successfully limited the average rates increase to 10.7%, slightly below the 10.8% projected in the Long-Term Plan. This was achieved despite significant cost pressures, particularly in roading, three waters, and compliance-related infrastructure.
District Plan Review Milestone
Council completed key stages of the District Plan Review, with decisions on Plan Changes 28, 29, and 30 and Delegations released in July 2025. This positions the district well ahead of the upcoming Resource Management Act reforms, ensuring Mackenzie’s voice is reflected in future regional planning.
Water Services Transition and Reform Preparation
Council transitioned its water services operations in-house from a contractor and began preparations for the Water Services Delivery Plan due in September 2025. This will include setting up the governance and financial structures for a new internal business unit, to be operational by 2027.
Tourism Infrastructure and User-Pays Initiatives
To manage tourism pressures, Council is introducing user-pays systems for high-use public toilets at Hamilton Drive and Lake Pukaki. These initiatives aim to reduce the burden on ratepayers while maintaining service quality.
Community Development and Youth Employment
Continued support for community wellbeing through the Community Development team and the Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs, helping connect young people with employment opportunities. Council also supports networking opportunities, and grant funding through access to resources like the Mackenzie Grant Finder and funding clinics. The team has helped local organisations secure funding and has provided support for groups to strengthen their processes. With a growing presence from youth service providers like The Y Central South Island (formerly YMCA) and ongoing support for sport, recreation, and cultural initiatives, the Council continues to invest in the district’s social and economic well-being.
Council is working with the community to develop key infrastructure to meet evolving community needs. Planning started in 2024/25 for the replacement of the Twizel Library, and the development of a multipurpose community hub in Twizel. In Tekapo, the popular squash court is hoped to be relocated to better align with long-term recreational planning. These projects reflect Council’s long-term commitment to strengthening community facilities and supporting local well-being
Master Planning - Tekapo, Fairlie and Twizel
Work has been progressing during this financial year to develop master plans for aspects of our townships. Consultation has occurred in Tekapo and feedback from the community has been considered by the Tekapo Community Board. Likewise, in Fairlie, initial work has been undertaken and shared with the Fairlie Community Board. Project scoping is currently underway in Twizel
Implemented an online system for processing building consents
Council launched Objective Build which is an online system for applying for and managing building consents. It improves the ability to clearly see the status of an application, see updates that require action, and manage a consent throughout the lifecycle.
Finalised construction of toilets in Fairlie and at Lake Pukaki Visitors Centre
The core of the funding for this project has been a grant from the Tourism Infrastructure Fund (TIF). The TIF funding of $1.76M was for toilets in three locations in Mackenzie: Fairlie, Pukaki and at Lake Ruataniwha.
Regional Events Fund
Our district awarded $210,000 in event grants via the Regional Events Fund, a central government Covid-19 response initiative to stimulate domestic visitation and support the event economy over the pandemic and recovery period. Over the last four years the funding accrued via our Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) has seeded a range of new events to target shoulder periods and enabled existing events to grow. 2024/25 recipient events included Mackenzie Half, Twizel Hard Labour, Race Tekapo, Twizel Salmon & Wine Festival, Mackenzie Race, Swim Ruataniwha, Breathe Tekapo, Twizel Cavalcade, Twizel Hydro Thunder, Summer Challenge and the 2024 International Dark Sky Conference in Tekapo.
Limited copies of the Summary document are available at our Fairlie and Twizel offices where you will also find a reference copy of the full report.