The Government is proposing a new development levies system to replace the current development contributions system. Development levies are how councils would pay for new infrastructure needed to support growth, such as water, wastewater, stormwater, roads and community facilities. The current system charges developers based on the infrastructure needed for their individual development. The new system applies a standard levy rate across a whole levy area, meaning developers pay a set share of community wide growth costs rather than only site-specific impacts.
Click here for the summary
Before HortNZ finalises its position and starts drafting a submission, it is seeking feedback on the below.
- Do you have any frustrations with the current system? If so, what are they, and what do you think would improve it?
- Would you prefer to know the levy cost upfront, even if that meant less ability to negotiate the cost?
- How do you feel about paying a community-based levy, where the infrastructure funded may not directly benefit your development, compared with an effects-based levy?
- Have you experienced situations where your development placed lower demand on infrastructure than council assumed? If so, were you able to get charges reduced?
- Would you expect seasonal worker accommodation to be charged differently from permanent housing? Why or why not?
- Do you support the new system? If so/not, why?
Please send feedback to sarah.cameron@hortnz.co.nz