Bay of Plenty Regional Council Reports $24.7m Surplus as Public Transport Use Rises

Bay of Plenty Regional Council said it has delivered progress on public transport, flood protection and environmental restoration, while recording an operating surplus of $24.7 million for the 2025/26 financial year.

The Council’s Annual Report 2025/26, adopted on Thursday, 29 October, highlights a year of significant activity across the region, including the establishment of a $20 million Regional Benefit Fund.

Regional Council Chair Matemoana McDonald said the achievements demonstrate the importance of maintaining a focus on community outcomes despite uncertainty surrounding the future of local government.

“This report reflects meaningful progress for our people, our communities and our environment,” she said.

The Council recorded 3.42 million public transport trips during the year, an increase of 45,753 compared with the previous year.

Bus punctuality also improved, with 84 per cent of monitored trips running on time.

The Tauranga Public Transport Operations Facility was completed in December 2025, supporting driver wellbeing and efforts to reduce congestion.

Flood protection infrastructure performed strongly during severe weather events in January and March 2026, helping protect people, property and essential infrastructure.

Despite resources being redirected towards emergency response and recovery, the Council delivered 97 per cent of planned flood-protection maintenance and repair expenditure.

Environmental programmes also made progress, with more than 422,000 plants established across more than 150 hectares in partnership with more than 100 landowners.

The Lake Rotorua catchment is now fully compliant with its nitrogen limits, with farms and lifestyle blocks modelled and monitored under the Lake Rotorua Nutrient Rules.

Financially, the Council recorded revenue of $217.1 million, $9.7 million above budget, and operating cost savings of $2.8 million.

The operating surplus was significantly higher than the budgeted $12.1 million, reflecting increased grant revenue, lower finance costs and reduced operating expenditure, including some programme work deferred while Resource Management Act reforms progressed.

More than $54 million in Quayside Holdings dividends helped reduce the rates requirement by an average of $405 per property.

The Council said $20 million of this contribution helped establish the Regional Benefit Fund, intended to support major infrastructure projects that deliver lasting environmental and community benefits.

McDonald said responsible financial management will remain important as the local government sector prepares for change.