Hard work during the past few years focusing on sound and prudent financial management at Tararua District Council has placed it in a position of strength.
In the annual report chief executive Blair King said although work would always be required to reduce costs and deliver low rate increases, council now had healthy reserves and was in a position to respond to unexpected shocks and natural disasters.
"Not all councils are in this position," Mr King said.
This year saw one of the largest infrastructure investment programmes our district has ever seen.
"Despite this large investment council is in a very strong financial position with low debt, positive internal cash balances and low rate increases," Mr King said.