Tasman District Council has adopted its 2025/26 Annual Report after a year marked by severe weather recovery, major infrastructure projects and lower-than-expected debt levels.
The report, adopted unanimously at Thursday’s council meeting, outlines the work completed across the district and the challenges faced during the year ending 30 June 2026.
Council recorded an accounting surplus of $10.6 million, compared with a budgeted surplus of $29.5 million. The result was $18.9 million below forecast.
Net external debt stood at $297.7 million, below the forecast $305 million. Council says the lower figure was largely due to delays in capital works projects.
Of the 94 performance targets measured during the year, 66 were fully achieved, eight were within 5% of target and 20 were not achieved.
One of the biggest challenges was the severe weather that struck the Nelson Tasman region in June and July 2025, causing widespread flooding and damage to roads, rivers and other infrastructure.
The Great Taste Trail was among the hardest-hit assets, with only 41% of the trail initially rideable following the storms. Repair work has since restored 95% of the trail, costing $1.106 million. The work was fully funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
The Mayoral Relief Fund distributed $483,000 to people affected by the weather events.
Major infrastructure projects completed during the year included the $12 million redevelopment of Port Tarakohe and the Lower Queen St Bridge.
Councils were required by law to adopt their annual reports by 31 October.
