Council meeting summary news, 30th September 2026

Matters for Decision – Council Meeting Summary News 30 September 2026
Kaikōura District Council Meeting, 30 September 2026
Below is a brief summary of the matters for decision considered by Council at its meeting on 30 September 2026. You can read the full agenda and reports online at:
https://www.kaikoura.govt.nz/council/meetings-cale...
1. South Bay Skate Park and Pump Track Proposal (Agenda page 16)
Council considered a proposal from the Kaikōura Cycling Club to develop a skate park, pump track and associated facilities on part of the South Bay Domain Recreation Reserve. The proposal is intended to create a new recreation facility for the community and visitors.
The report outlined:
• The facility would be located adjacent to the Kaikōura Aquatic Centre at South Bay.
• The proposed development has been discussed with neighbouring stakeholders and has received support from Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura and several nearby organisations.
• The estimated project cost is approximately $2 million, with funding expected to be sought through external grants and funding sources.
• The Kaikōura Cycling Club has indicated it would be responsible for ongoing maintenance and upkeep.
• Further legal confirmation is required regarding the ownership and administration status of the reserve land.
• Any future concession lease would be subject to a public notification and consultation process. • Council's support at this stage does not commit Council funding or approve a final design.
Decision and Next Steps
Council resolved to support continued investigation of the proposal and the receipt of a formal concession application. Staff will confirm the reserve ownership status and bring a future report back to Council if a formal application is submitted. Community consultation will occur as part of any concession lease process.
2. District Plan Review and Housing Plan Changes (Agenda page 33)
Council considered whether to continue progressing proposed Plan Change 7 (Housing Choice and Affordability) and Plan Change 8 (Commercial Development) as part of the District Plan review programme.
The report outlined:
• Existing planning provisions are limiting housing choice and affordability.
• Housing affordability, workforce accommodation and residential density continue to be key issues in Kaikōura.
• Approximately one-third of commercially zoned land is currently occupied by residential activities.
• Proposed changes would increase housing opportunities and improve the efficiency of commercial land use.
• National planning reforms are creating uncertainty about how long current planning frameworks will remain in place.
• Estimated costs of progressing both plan changes are approximately $450,000, excluding appeals.
• Staff considered there remains a strong planning case for proceeding with the changes despite national reform uncertainty.
Decision and Next Steps
Council considered a number of options and resolved to defer progressing work on Plan Change 7 and Plan Change 8 and prioritise work relating to the new enacted planning legislation
3. Feedback on the illustrative National Planning Reform Direction (Agenda page 44)
Council considered proposed feedback to central government on the Illustrative National Policy Direction discussion document, which forms part of New Zealand's wider resource management reforms.
The report outlined:
• The reforms will significantly influence future Regional Spatial Plans and land use planning.
• Council supports a stronger emphasis on long-term spatial planning and infrastructure-led growth.
• Feedback highlights concerns around infrastructure affordability, natural hazard management and development sequencing.
• Council sought greater clarity around how Regional Spatial Plans will interact with future national standards.
• The submission also emphasises the importance of local flexibility when responding to natural hazards and growth pressures.
Decision and Next Steps
Council resolved to approve the submission to the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport. The feedback will now be lodged as part of the Government's consultation process.
4. Procurement Policy 2026 (Agenda page 52)
Council considered a new Procurement Policy following earlier community discussion about ethical procurement practices.
The report outlined:
• The policy introduces Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations into procurement decisions.
• ESG factors will be considered alongside value for money, quality and supplier capability.
• The policy reinforces transparency, accountability and fair procurement practices.
• It supports consideration of local supplier and community benefits where appropriate.
• New procurement planning, due diligence and record-keeping requirements have been included.
Decision and Next Steps
Council resolved to adopt the Procurement Policy 2026 with several minor amendments. The policy will now be implemented across Council operations, with internal processes and procurement templates updated to support its application.
5. Kaikōura Hurunui Water Services Statement of Expectations (Agenda page 65)
Council considered the draft Statement of Expectations for Kaikōura Hurunui Water Services Limited (KHWS).
The report outlined:
• The Statement of Expectations provides strategic direction from the two shareholder councils.
• It sets expectations around governance, financial sustainability, resilience, accountability and community engagement.
• Particular emphasis has been placed on transparency around water charges, pricing changes and affordability impacts.
• The document will help inform KHWS's first Water Services Strategy.
• Both Kaikōura and Hurunui District Councils are required to approve the draft before it is issued to KHWS.
Decision and Next Steps
Council resolved to approve the draft Statement of Expectations. Following consideration by Hurunui District Council, the document will be provided to KHWS for feedback before being finalised.
6. Water Meter Reading Charge Correction (Agenda page 76)
Council considered a correction to the water meter reading fee contained within the Fees and Charges Schedule.
The report outlined:
• A discrepancy was identified between the intended fee and the amount currently listed.
• The issue resulted from an administrative error during the annual fees and charges process.
• The correction ensures consistency and accuracy within Council's charging schedule.
Decision and Next Steps
Council resolved to approve the correction to the water meter reading charge. The updated fee schedule will be amended and implemented accordingly.
7. Finance Report to 31 August 2026 (Agenda page 78)
Council received an update on its financial performance for the first two months of the 2026/27 financial year.
The report outlined:
• Council remains in a generally positive financial position.
• Revenue is tracking ahead of budget in several areas.
• Some expenditure pressures continue as a result of recovery work following the July flood event.
• Officers continue to closely monitor operational costs, insurance, infrastructure spending and recovery funding.
• Cashflow and financial monitoring remain a key focus as significant recovery and infrastructure projects progress.
Decision and Next Steps
Council received the report and noted Council's current financial position. Financial performance will continue to be monitored and reported regularly throughout the year.
Other Key Updates Received
Council also received a number of information reports covering:
• Ongoing flood recovery activities and roading infrastructure recovery coordination.
• Updates on Pōhōwera Reserve developments.
• Community services and housing initiatives.
• Planning and resource consent activity.
• Building control and regulatory services performance.
• Emergency management and district resilience work.
Council continues to focus on recovery, infrastructure resilience, housing and long-term planning while supporting projects that contribute to Kaikōura's future growth and wellbeing.