Annual Report 2025/26 reflects meaningful progress for Bay of Plenty communities

October 2026

Bay of Plenty Regional Council has adopted its Annual Report 2025/26, highlighting meaningful progress for people, communities and the environment during a year of rapid change and uncertainty for local government.

The year’s achievements included growing public transport use, strengthened flood protection, progress in improving freshwater outcomes, significant environmental planting and the establishment of a $20 million Regional Benefit Fund. These outcomes were delivered alongside iwi and hapū, landowners, community organisations, councils, Central Government and other partners.

Regional Council Chair Matemoana McDonald says the results demonstrate what can be achieved by maintaining a clear focus on community outcomes, even in a challenging environment.

“This report reflects meaningful progress for our people, our communities and our environment. Much of what has been achieved would not have been possible without the commitment and expertise of our partners across the region.

“The environment we are operating in continues to change rapidly, and there remains considerable uncertainty about the future shape of local government. Despite that, our focus has remained firmly on serving our communities, protecting the environment and managing the region’s resources responsibly.”

Throughout 2025/26, the Regional Council continued to deliver essential services, infrastructure and environmental programmes for communities across the Bay of Plenty.

Public transport patronage grew to 3.42 million trips, an increase of 45,753 from the previous year. Bus service punctuality also improved, with 84% of monitored trips running on time, while the purpose-built Tauranga Public Transport Operations Facility was completed in December 2025, supporting improved driver wellbeing and reducing road congestion.

The region’s flood-protection networks performed strongly during severe weather events in January and March 2026, helping to protect people, property, and essential infrastructure. Despite resources being redirected into response and recovery work, 97% of planned maintenance and repair expenditure was delivered.

Environmental achievements included the establishment of more than 422,000 plants across more than 150ha, working alongside more than 100 landowners. The Lake Rotorua catchment is also now fully compliant with its nitrogen limits, with all farms and lifestyle blocks modelled and monitored under the Lake Rotorua Nutrient Rules.

Chair McDonald says these achievements reflect the importance of enduring relationships across the region.

“Partnership is central to the way we work. Whether we are strengthening flood resilience, restoring native habitats, improving water quality or delivering better public transport, the best outcomes come when we work together.

“We are grateful to the iwi and hapū, landowners, community groups, councils, government agencies and many others who have contributed to this progress.”

Alongside these non-financial achievements, the Regional Council maintained a strong focus on responsible financial management and long-term value for communities.

The Regional Council recorded an operating surplus of $24.7 million, compared with a budgeted surplus of $12.1 million. Total revenue was $217.1 million, $9.7 million above budget, while operating cost savings totalled $2.8 million. The higher surplus reflected increased grant revenue, lower finance costs and lower operating expenditure, including the deferral of some work programmes while Resource Management Act reforms progressed.

More than $54 million in Quayside Holdings dividends reduced the rates requirement by an average of $405 per property. It also contributed to a new $20 million Regional Benefit Fund, which has been established to support the delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects that create lasting environmental and community benefits for the Bay of Plenty.

Chair McDonald says responsible financial management remains particularly important as the local government sector prepares for change.

“These results demonstrate responsible stewardship of community resources while continuing to invest in the services, infrastructure and environmental work our region depends on.

“As we prepare for the changes ahead, we will keep making responsible investment decisions, supporting a successful transition and ensuring the needs of Bay of Plenty communities remain at the heart of our work.”

The Annual Report 2025/26 will be available online at www.boprc.govt.nz/annual-report next week.

Key points:

Operating surplus of $24.7 million, compared with a budgeted $12.1 million
Total revenue of $217.1 million and operating cost savings of $2.8 million
$54.2 million in Quayside Holdings dividends, reducing the rates requirement by an average of $405 per property
3.42 million public transport trips, up 45,753 from the previous year
97% of planned flood-protection maintenance and repair expenditure delivered
More than 422,000 plants established working with more than 100 landowners
Lake Rotorua catchment fully compliant with nitrogen limits
A $20 million Regional Benefit Fund established to support large-scale infrastructure projects.