1% is a very low bar. Case studies suggest reviews typically achieve spending reductions of between 2% and 5%, which points to savings of between $3m and $8m for the WDC, not $1 million. The review itself is expected to cost up to $100,000 in consultancy fees, which is ridiculous when LETTERBOX is aware that some well-qualified locals would donate their time as a community service.
In April last year, LETTERBOX reported that a review undertaken by the New Plymouth District Council had saved $10m a year. Unlike the WDC, the NPDC did not use external consultants. Staff, under the direction of councillors, did so, with a focus on internal restructuring and spending less on external consultants!
If the WDC is to achieve savings of any consequence, it will need to give rate reductions a higher priority than it currently does and ask itself what its core activities are. Is supporting the Wednesday Challenge to the tune of $28,750 (in December 2025) more important than a rate reduction? The Wednesday Challenge encourages people (especially school students and their families) to change the way they travel to school or work every Wednesday by choosing healthier, low-emission transport options. Is that where you want YOUR rate money to go? Or would you prefer it stayed in your pocket?
LETTERBOX believes savings of at least $8 million could be achieved if councillors had the will and backbone to make it happen. History suggests they will choose the easy path - dipping even deeper into ratepayers' pockets