In this episode of The Hutt Seat, Councillor Brady Dyer walks you through Hutt City’s 2025–26 Annual Plan—what’s in it, what’s changing, and how it affects you. From water upgrades and transport funding to population growth and shifting priorities, this year’s plan tackles the big stuff with a focus on value for money. Tune in for a high-level overview, then head to Brady’s website or Facebook page to read the full plan and have your say.

Today we’re diving deep into the critical issues facing Lower Hutt and the wider Wellington region’s water infrastructure. From ageing pipes and climate impacts to financial challenges, we break down what’s at stake and explore two clear options to secure a sustainable water future. Tune in to understand the choices ahead - and find out how you can have your say on this vital decision.

In this episode, join city councillor Brady Dyer as he delves into the much-anticipated district plan changes for Hutt City Council. Discover what's in store for the community, how these changes impact our city's growth and development, and learn how you can make your voice heard in shaping Hutt City's future.

Welcome to "The Hutt Seat," the podcast that brings you the latest updates and insights from Hutt City Council. In this episode, your host Brady Dyer, a City-wide Councillor, will be taking you through Hutt City Council's draft Annual Plan for 2023-2024.

As the consultation period begins, Brady will provide a brief overview of the key topics that are being consulted on and explain how you can get involved and have your say. He will also discuss the challenges that councils nationwide are facing and the impact that the decisions made in these draft annual plans can have on local communities.

Whether you're a resident of Hutt City or interested in learning more about how councils across New Zealand are working on similar plans, this episode is not to be missed. So, tune in and stay informed about your local council's plans and how you can participate in the consultation process.

The Hutt Seat Podcast is a captivating and informative series that takes listeners behind the scenes of the Hutt Valley, offering unique insights through the lens of its host, Brady Dyer, an elected city councillor at Hutt City Council. Each episode delves into the people, places, and issues that shape the community, shining a light on lesser-known aspects of life in Lower Hutt. From exploring the intricacies of local infrastructure to engaging in conversations with fascinating individuals, The Hutt Seat Podcast aims to educate, entertain, and inspire listeners while fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Hutt Valley.

In Episode 3 of The Hutt Seat podcast, Brady takes listeners on an eye-opening journey into the world of Lower Hutt's three waters system. As an elected city councillor at Hutt City Council, Brady provides a unique perspective on the processes of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater, and their impact on daily life and the environment. This episode aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these vital systems that maintain public health, sanitation, and environmental sustainability, rather than discussing the controversial government reforms surrounding the three waters. Tune in to explore these essential services that play a crucial role in our lives and learn about their importance in the ongoing discussions about the three waters reforms.

In this week’s episode of The Hutt Seat podcast, I provide insights into the workings of how councils decide how much rates people pay. The annual plan of councils is like a household budget for one year, and the bulk of their income comes from rates, which accounts for 62.8% of Hutt City’s revenue. The council also receives contributions from the government for some projects, and user charges, which are fees for specific services, but the majority of them do not cover the full cost of delivering the service.

Councils have two types of costs: operational and capital expenses. Operational expenses are ongoing costs incurred to deliver services and maintain infrastructure, while capital expenses are significant investments made by the council in assets that are expected to provide benefits over a longer period of time, beyond the current financial year. Capital expenses are typically financed through borrowing money over a long period, and they are like significant household expenses such as buying a house or a new car.

Fixed rates are set for specific things like water supply and recycling collection, and every household pays the same amount for them. The general rate is set to fund things that benefit everyone, like roads and parks maintenance, and it is spread across the city according to capital value. Each property is placed in a rating category based on land use and location, and a charge is set for each rating category to calculate their share of the general rate. The two main categories we use are residential and commercial.

Finally, the podcast episode addresses the misconception that councils receive more revenue when valuations are updated. I explain that valuations are only used to calculate each property’s share of the general rate, and an increase in valuation does not increase the total revenue that the council collects.

Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into how councils determine how much rates people pay and how the revenue is allocated to different expenses.

On today's episode, we'll be covering a range of topics that are important to the community. First, we'll be talking about the upcoming Petone Fair, a great community event that provides an opportunity to meet your elected members. We'll also discuss the Traffic Subcommittee meeting next week, which will consider recommendations related to road safety and parking. Next, we'll talk about the Annual Plan Subcommittee meeting, where a draft plan for the upcoming year will be discussed. We'll also touch on the council's Indigenous Biodiversity Strategy, which is now open for consultation. Additionally, we'll discuss the importance of emergency preparedness, and remind you to have a plan in place. Finally, we'll share some exciting news about a collaboration between Air New Zealand and Victoria University of Wellington’s Paihau—Robinson Research Institute to accelerate the development of zero emissions aircraft technology in New Zealand.