Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is asking for community feedback on a proposal to increase fees and charges for the use of council’s facilities and services.

The council provides a range of ‘user pays’ services, from sport and recreation facilities like pools and sports fields to dog registration, resource consent processing, and waste services.

The charges are one of the ways QLDC funds its services.

If it does not increase them this year, rates would need to increase by an additional 1.6 percent, QLDC assurance, finance and risk general manager Katherine Harbrow said.

"If user fees and charges don’t keep up with costs, the extra has to come from everyone’s rates,” she said. 

“By adjusting fees, we can keep things fair, making sure the cost is shared in a way that makes sense for everyone.”

Most of the proposed fees and charges increases are fairly small.

For example, under the proposal, a casual swim for an adult would increase by twenty cents to $8.20.

A casual swim for a child (5-17yrs) would increase by ten cents to $4.30 while a child’s group lesson would increase by 50 cents to $15.50.

The cost of renting a meeting room at the Hāwea Flat Hall or Luggate Memorial Centre for community use would increase by 50 cents to five dollars depending on booking length.

Most rubbish disposal fees would increase by no more than 50 cents.

Wānaka Airport landing fees increase by three dollars to $58 depending on weight of aircraft.

Residents have until the end of April to provide feedback on the user fees and charges at the Let’s Talk website, where they can find the full list of proposed increases.

Once public feedback closes, councillors Lyal Cocks, Lisa Guy, and Gavin Bartlett will hear submissions and a recommendation to council on the charges for the 2025/2026 financial year.

PHOTO: QLDC