Council to pursue the disposal of council-owned assets
Cost savings and improved efficiency drive Council to rationalise council owned assets
Council is considering disposing of council owned assets following a recent review of council-owned buildings, reserves, and other land. The review identified opportunities for cost savings by reducing operational expenses and rationalising land and properties.
The rationalisation project, included in the Long-Term Plan (LTP), aims to address the Council's request to further cut operational expenditure so that that rates can be reduced in the future. The comprehensive assessment focused on identifying non-operational land and less-used community buildings across the district.
Excluded from the review were community buildings managed by Domain Boards, public conveniences, sports pavilions, aquatic venues, Dannevirke Civic offices, and campgrounds.
Notable council owned assets of which council is seeking to pursue disposal include:
- 39 Gregg Street, Dannevirke
- 39 Ransom Street Reserve, Dannevirke
- Woodville Pioneer Museum (partial)
- Land at Newman Road, Eketāhuna
- Weber Reserve
- DVK Rural bus Depot, Dannevirke
- Land at 16 Bengston Street, Eketāhuna
- 744 Waitahora Road, Waitahora
- Land surrounding the Old Maharahara Public Hall
Further cost-saving measures include reducing insurance coverage to demolition-only policies for certain older, low-use buildings and incorporating provisions in occupation agreements that shift operational expenses such as insurance and maintenance to tenants, or reflecting these costs in annual rental charges based on tenants' financial capacity.
Next steps involve developing disposal plans for each asset and seeking Council approval to proceed, and consulting with iwi and the public regarding the disposal of identified assets. Detailed disposal plans will include valuations, surveys/consenting, and engagement with potential real estate agents, buyers, or lessees.
Any comments or questions about the rationalisation should be directed to the local councillors.
Contact details for Tararua District Elected Members
Information about the project
We have created a dedicated webpage to share all information related to the project. This page will be regularly updated with the latest details, including reports and links to recordings of Council meetings where the project was discussed.