Regional Council Annual Report 2024/25: Record bus trips, cleaner Rotorua air and more native plants

Bay of Plenty Regional Council has adopted its Annual Report 2024/25, closing out the previous financial year with a strong set of results.

The organisation delivered an operating surplus of $20.9 million, well above the $1.6 million budgeted in the 2024-2034 Long Term Plan. This achievement comes alongside continued delivery of essential services and investment in long-term regional resilience.

Beyond financial performance, the year brought standout community results as well. This year we delivered record public transport use with 3.38 million trips, cleaner air in Rotorua after more than a decade of work, and significant climate and biodiversity gains with the planting of nearly half a million native plants.

Regional Council Chair Matemoana McDonald says the results reflect careful and sensible financial management and a commitment to delivering for the region.

“It’s fantastic to see the Long Term Plan coming to life through what we have achieved this year. These results give confidence that we’re on track to meet the region’s needs while planning for the future.”

The improved financial position was driven by additional revenue and cost savings. Operating revenue reached $220.3 million, compared with a budget of $201.9 million. This included $4.5 million unbudgeted capital funding from the Government’ s Regional Infrastructure Fund to support flood protection upgrades, a $47 million dividend from Quayside Holdings that helped reduce rates by an average of $397 per property, and strong investment returns supported by higher interest rates and delayed capital projects.

Operating expenditure was slightly under budget at $199.3 million, largely thanks to savings in transportation and reduced contractor costs.

During 2024/25, the Regional Council invested $24.6 million in capital projects. This included $16.1 million for flood protection and river management projects, such as the Rangitāiki River stopbank upgrade and Project Future Proof. Wetland creation and biodiversity initiatives also progressed, including the development of the Cutwater Road wetland in Waihī Estuary.

The Regional Council also invested $628,500 to strengthen regional safety and rescue capability, supporting Surf Lifesaving, Coastguard, Rotorua Mountain Bike Club First Response Unit, and Land Search and Rescue.

Chair McDonald says the Annual Report is an important tool for transparency.

“It’s vital that our community can see how we’re performing against our plans. These results show strong progress and responsible financial stewardship.”

The full Annual Report is available at www.boprc.govt.nz/annual-report

Key Points:

• Operating surplus of $20.9 million (budgeted $1.6 million)
• Operating revenue $220.3 million (budgeted $201.9 million)
• $47 million dividend from Quayside Holdings; reduced rates by an average of $397 per property
• $24.6 million invested in capital projects
• Record public transport trips: 3.38 million
• Rotorua airshed no longer classified as polluted following years of work
• 484,607 native plants established
• Regional Council’s scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions are estimated as 29.6% less than the previous year.

ENDS

For further media information, please contact media@boprc.govt.nz