Development Contributions are contributions of money (or of land or infrastructure) paid to Council when a development is undertaken or when the use of an existing property changes. Development Contributions assist Council to fund the capital expenditure related to growth in the community. This includes transportation, water, wastewater and stormwater systems along with reserves, open space facilities and community facilities such as libraries and community centres.

Development Contributions will apply to any application for resource consent, building consent or service connections lodged after 1 July 2004. The transportation portion applies from 1 July 2006.
 

• Read Development Contributions Policy (pdf, 972kb)

Why Council has a Development Contributions Policy
 

Previously, existing ratepayers funded a high proportion of the cost of new infrastructure required to provide for growth in the District. Development Contributions are a fairer way of meeting these costs as a larger portion of these costs are covered by new residents and businesses in the District.

The new users of Council services create the need for additional and larger capacity assets. Upgrades to roading, wastewater and stormwater systems are required as well as improved Reserves, Open Space, and Community facilities.

The latest Annual Plan, adopted by Council in June 2009, includes the long term programme of improvement works and the updated Development Contributions Policy. If you would like further information you can request a copy of the policy from Council’s customer service centre or download a copy using the link above.
 

Contribution Rates

The contribution rate is set for a single charging unit equivalent to a single residential development. This is called an equivalent development unit (edu).
The business charges (primarily for transportation and stormwater) are based on floor and roof areas
respectively.
The contribution applying (dependent on township, zoning and services utilised) is given in the Development Contributions Policy - Table 14. The policy is available on its own or as part of Council’s Community Plan.