Previously published by The Ngāmotu Advocate on 20 February 2026.
In this opinion piece, Sarah makes the annual-plan process understandable and sets out the real trade-offs behind lower rates, deferred infrastructure and reduced community investment.
Her central argument is that restraint must not come at the expense of stormwater, water, wastewater and long-term resilience. It is a practical example of Sarah’s approach: explain the choices clearly, recognise pressure on households and invest where delay would create greater future costs.