A change to how CCTV nighttime monitoring is funded in Napier is part of the City Council’s Annual Plan 2026/27 consultation.
Nighttime CCTV monitoring currently costs around $240,000 and is currently paid for out of the parking reserve fund, which is money received from parking income. Council is proposing to charge it as a targeted rate to CBD businesses and residents.
Napier Mayor, Richard McGrath says the new rate targets those who benefit the most.
“Monitoring the CBD at night helps to protect businesses and residents from break-ins and antisocial behaviour and gives Police better information to work with,” says Mayor McGrath.
Council’s Annual Plan sets out the projects, services and activities for the coming year.
Mayor McGrath said the Council’s focus remains on the essentials that keep Napier running well, including important water supply projects, upgrades to stormwater systems, and essential infrastructure.
“Focusing on the basics isn’t glamorous, but it’s what we need to do. I want Napier to have safe public spaces, resilient infrastructure and efficient ways of doing things. This plan will help us along that path,” he says.
The proposed average rates increase is 8.8%, with Council choosing to not borrow for operating expenditure.
“This ensures future generations aren’t burdened with unnecessary debt. Instead, we’re living within our means,” says Mayor McGrath.
“The increase doesn’t account for inflation, meaning Council must make do with budgets the same size as this year.”
To find out more about the Annual Plan, residents are invited to an Open House at 5:30pm on Monday 20 April at the Municipal Theatre on Tennyson Street.
“There’s a lot to be proud of in what’s being planned and it’s important the community understands how their rates are spent. The Open House is a great way for people to connect with and understand their council,” Mayor McGrath said.
The Annual Plan consultation runs for four weeks on sayitnapier.nz. Council will consider residents’ views and there will be an opportunity for submitters to speak to Council in person on 27 and 28 May. The Annual Plan 2026/27 will be adopted no later than 30 June 2026.
