Why should the general ratepayer pay for the cost of growth?

Council charges Development Contributions (DCs) so new properties pay for the infrastructure that Council has to build to meet the additional demand they create. However, DCs can only be charged for the extra demand, not any improvement to the level of service provided by Council. Any part of a project that improves the level of service for the wider community, such as improving water supply to reduce water restrictions, must be paid for through borrowings, which the new properties will also contribute to paying back.

As part of our funding policies for growth, we are making sure that new developments (new houses) pay for the new infrastructure required to service them.

For example a new property in Levin will need to contribute $21,389 towards the cost of infrastructure investment.