We’re reviewing a range of key plans and policies that guide how our district operates and we want to know if you agree with the proposals, or if there’s anything missing or that needs a change.

Consultation runs from 16 March 2026 to 19 April 2026. Visit mpdc.nz/letstalk or visit one of our offices or libraries to let us know your thoughts.

Policy on Dogs and Dog Control Bylaw 

We’re proposing changes to the Policy on Dogs and Dog Control Bylaw, including new places to walk your dog, plus updates to some dog parks to help keep everyone safe.

This is the moment your voice turns into dog rules. These rules could be in place for the next 10 years, so dig in now and deliver your verdict here

Local Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy 

This policy gives shops the choice to open on Easter Sunday, while employees’ rights are protected by the legislation. Council is proposing minor wording changes, with no change to the overall approach. Should shops continue to open on Easter Sunday, or should they have to close? Let us know what you think here

Land Transport Bylaw

This bylaw doesn’t matter… until it does.

We’ve recently reviewed the Land Transport Bylaw - the rules that quietly decide how roads, footpaths, parking, crossings, stock movements, and shared paths actually work.

Take a look at the proposed changes and tell us what you think here

Fees and Charges 

The Annual Plan sets out what Council will deliver in the coming year and how we’ll fund it. It’s guided by the Long Term Plan (LTP), which is reviewed every three years and sets our direction for the next decade. In between LTP reviews, the Annual Plan confirms the budget and priorities for each 12‑month period.

For 2026/27, we’re continuing with the programme the community helped shape through the 2024–2034 LTP. To deliver that programme, we need to raise around $3.5 million more revenue than last year. Because we’re staying on track with what was already agreed, we’re not consulting on the Annual Plan itself this year. We’ll share more detail on the 2026/27 priorities in coming months. 

Fees and charges is one of the inputs to the Annual Plan budget, and we are consulting on our proposed changes here. These decisions are important because fees and rates are directly connected — when a fee doesn’t cover the real cost of a service, the difference has to be paid by all ratepayers through their rates. Adjusting fees helps keep the rates increase in line with what was planned in the LTP.

We review our fees and charges each year to keep them fair and up to date. This includes things like building and resource consents, dog registration, swimming pools, cemeteries, and hiring community facilities. This year we’re proposing some changes — mostly small inflation adjustments, plus a few updates to help keep rates as low as possible and to reflect new requirements or services. Are the changes we're proposing fair? Let us know here

Rates and Remissions Policy  

Our Rates Remission and Postponement Policy sets out when and how we can reduce, waive, or delay the payment of rates. The Policy is designed to support fairness and equity in our rating system, and to ensure we can provide rates relief in specific circumstances.

Recent changes to the rules for granny flats means some properties could receive an additional kerbside targeted rate despite no increase in service demand. We are proposing a new remission to address this. Let us know what you think at the link here