“Public transport is delivered within a subsidised and contracted framework, so any changes to fares, service levels, or routes would need to be considered in discussion with NZTA [NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi] and the community.”
In response to Local Democracy Reporting questions, Thatcher Swann said the council’s focus was on monitoring its fuel use and making efficiencies to save, while being prepared and planning to ensure critical needs could continue if fuel pressures worsened.
At this stage, the longer-term impact was still emerging.
“The implications for the Long-Term Plan will need to be worked through as the picture becomes clearer,” Thatcher Swann said.
In the short term, to remain within the council’s approved budgets, the higher fuel-related costs may require a reprioritisation of spending, which could include deferring some non-critical work or adjusting service levels.
Thatcher Swann said if the pressures persisted into future planning periods, that could affect the cost and timing of some council services, renewals and capital projects.
“Any material changes to funding, service levels or project delivery would be considered through [the] council’s normal decision-making processes and, where required, would be subject to community consultation through the Long-Term Plan or Annual Plan process.”
It was too early to quantify what any specific impact on rates, fees or charges could be, she said.
Along with close monitoring of fuel market pressures and operational impacts, Thatcher Swann said the council’s approach to offset rising fuel costs included:
- A tiered escalation model to support decision-making if conditions worsen.
- Prioritisation of critical services and lifeline functions.
- Co-ordination with Civil Defence Emergency Management, lifeline utilities, contractors and central government agencies.
- Identifying where fuel dependency is highest across council services, sites, contractors and assets.
- Medium-term resilience actions, including fleet transition and other fuel reduction opportunities.
The council would also reduce discretionary travel, increase virtual meetings and consolidate site visits where appropriate, Thatcher Swann said.
The council was working with regional and national agencies to understand what the situation could mean for the region.
The work was “about being ready for a range of scenarios”.
“While [the] council cannot control international fuel prices or supply conditions, we can plan ahead, prioritise essential services and prepare for more constrained conditions, if required.”
Thatcher Swann encouraged people to save fuel where they could, by combining errands, ridesharing, catching the bus or using a bike, which could “help make the tank go further”.
“We know rising fuel prices are hitting whānau hard, especially when many everyday trips in Tairāwhiti are essential.”
