New hoops, new forms and a different kind of water news: It’s another big week at Waitaki District Council.

If you're a food business, a future councillor, a basketball fan or just someone trying to get your building consent through before the next price hike, there's something for you in this week's round-up from Waitaki District Council.

Let’s get into it.

The new Food Business Levy is on its way, from July 1

The Government’s new Food Business Levy kicks in next month, and councils around the country – including ours – are tasked with collecting it on behalf of the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

The invoice for $57.50 plus GST for the 2025/2026 year and then rising annually to $115 for 2027/2028, will arrive separately from your regular registration.

More info is available on the MPI website, or the setting up a food business' page on the council website.

Fast consents are keeping our economy humming

Waitaki is one of the fastest places in the country to get a building consent processed, according to the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ).

Using data from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) BRANZ placed Waitaki District Council second equal with Kapiti Coast for fast processing of building consents.

In the first quarter of this year, consents were approved, on average, within six working days, only just behind Buller and Carterton (at five days).

Council Natural and Built Environment director Roger Cook says the speed isn’t just about numbers.

“Getting consents done quickly, and well, allows developers, businesses and homeowners to get things done and boost our local economy."

The news comes on the back of extremely positive survey responses, an excellent four-day International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ) assessment and the launch of the transformation programme's new online applications process, he says.

"We knew our building team is one of the best in the country, and we have the stats to prove it."

Council HQ gets quieter with a new focus for customer service

From Monday, June 23, if you need to talk to someone at the council about rates, registrations or applications - the Ōamaru Public Library is your new go-to.

The Service Centre at the library will now host the customer liaison team six days a week, with longer opening hours than the former setup at council headquarters.

Meanwhile, the council building on Thames Street is still the place to go to access property files, and for officer meetings and public workshops.

Council customer engagement and experience director Lisa Baillie says there will be "more time, on more days, for people to speak face-to-face with someone at council by using what we’ve already got sensibly".

Council also recently launched a one-stop shop of digital forms, meaning the community can apply for everything from alcohol licenses to water connections online, with new online forms being added every week.

Chief executive Alex Parmley says transformation is about making the organisation leaner and more cost-effective, "whilst improving access and our level of customer service".

Council’s digital application forms can be found here:

Aqualand is coming to town (and bringing its inflatables)

On the middle weekend of the school holidays (July 5 and 6) the main pool at Waitaki Aquatic Centre will transform into a massive indoor inflatable water park, thanks to a school holiday visit from Aqualand NZ.

Tickets are already on sale, and with sessions running from 10am to 4pm both days, it's expected to be a sell-out.

Children must be six years or older and able to swim. Under-10s need a supervising adult, and lifejackets are included.

While the main pool will be all about obstacle course chaos, the children's pool and spa will stay open as usual for those after a more relaxing experience.

Ever thought of running for council?

If you’ve got ideas, opinions and a desire to help shape the future of the district, now’s the time to consider stepping up.

Waitaki District Council, Otago Regional Council and the Oamaru Licensing Trust are co-hosting a Candidates Information Evening at the Oamaru Opera House next Tuesday (17 June) at 5.30pm.

There’ll be info from Elections NZ, an introduction from Alex Parmley, and a chance to ask questions about what it really takes to serve as an elected representative.

Local elections are coming in October, with nominations opening 4 July.

Whether you’re aiming for the mayor’s seat, a community board or just want to learn more, the information evening is a great place to start.

Backboard boost at the steampunk playground

Oamaru’s steampunk playground half-court just scored big - quite literally.

Waitaki District Council won a nationwide competition run by Basketball NZ and Schick, landing a brand new hoop and backboard for the town’s basketball lovers.

The old setup is already gone, and contractors Green By Nature have been busy getting the new gear in place.

Council Sport and Leisure manager Matthew Lanyon says the win wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Sport Waitaki and Basketball Otago.

“These community organisations really do a lot to make sure Waitakians have great sporting options, and inspire the athletes of the future,” he says.

If you’re keen to stay in the loop, you can sign up for alerts or follow Waitaki District Council on Facebook for updates, consultations and the occasional spirited comments thread.

And if you’ve got your eye on a seat at the council table this October, now’s the time to start practising your decision-making face.