Financial statements and disclosures | He pūroko tahua, tūhurataka

1    Statement of accounting policies

REPORTING ENTITY

Dunedin City Council (the Council) is a territorial local authority established under the Local Government Act 2002 (LGA) and is domiciled and operates in New Zealand. The relevant legislation governing the Council's operations includes the LGA and the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002.

The financial statements presented are for the reporting entity Dunedin City Council (the Council).

The registered address of the Council is 50 The Octagon, Dunedin.

The Council provides local infrastructure, local public services, and performs regulatory functions to the community. The Council does not operate to make a financial return.

The Council has designated itself  as public benefit entities (PBEs) for the purposes of complying with generally accepted accounting practice.

The forecast financial statements of the Council  are for the years ended 30 June 2021 to 2031. The financial statements were authorised for issue by the Council on 30 June 2021.

BASIS OF PREPARATION

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of certain property, plant and equipment, investment properties, biological assets, derivative financial instruments, financial instruments classified as available for sale and financial instruments held for trading.

The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis, and the accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the year.

Statement of compliance

The financial statements of the Council have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the LGA and the Local Government (Financial Reporting and Prudence) Regulations 2014 (LG(FRP)R), which include the requirement to comply with generally accepted accounting practice in New Zealand (NZ GAAP).

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with and comply with PBE Standards.

Presentation currency and rounding

The financial statements are presented in New Zealand dollars because that is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the Council operates. All values are rounded to the nearest thousand dollars ($000), other than the remuneration and severance payment disclosures. The remuneration and severance payments are rounded to the nearest dollar.

Other changes in accounting policies

There have been no changes in accounting policy in the current year.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Significant accounting policies are included in the notes to which they relate. Significant accounting policies that do not relate to a specific note are outlined below.

Prospective financial statements

The financial statements are forecast using the best information available at the time they were prepared.

Foreign currency transactions

The individual financial statements of Council are presented in the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (its functional currency).  For the purpose of the financial statements the results and financial position are expressed in New Zealand dollars, which is the functional currency of the Council.

Transactions in currencies other than New Zealand dollars are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the dates of the transactions.  At each balance sheet date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the balance sheet date.  The Council does not hold non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies.

In order to hedge its exposure to certain foreign exchange risks, the Council may enter into forward contracts and options (see below for details of the Council's accounting policies in respect of such derivative financial instruments).

Goods and services tax

Items in the financial statements are stated exclusive of GST, except for receivables and payables which are presented on a GST-inclusive basis. Where GST is not recoverable as input tax, it is recognised as part of the related asset or expense.

The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the IRD is included as part of receivables or payables in the statement of financial position.

The net GST paid to, or received from, the IRD, including the GST relating to investing and financing activities, is classified as an operating cash flow in the statement of cash flows.

Commitments and contingencies are disclosed exclusive of GST.

Critical accounting estimates and assumptions

The Council makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future.  The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results.  The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year include:

• landfill provision;
• valuation of property, plant and equipment;
• valuation of derivative financial instruments;

2    Rates revenue

Relevant significant accounting policies

Rates are set annually by resolution from Council and relate to a financial year. All ratepayers are invoiced within the financial year to which the rates have been set. Rates revenue is recognised when payable.

Revenue from water rates by meter is recognised on an accrual basis based on usage. Unbilled usage, as a result of unread meters at year-end, is accrued on an average usage basis.

Revenue from rates penalties is recognised when the penalty is imposed.

Rates remissions are recognised as a reduction of rates revenue when the Council has received an application that satisfies its rates remission policy.

3    Development and financial contributions

Relevant significant accounting policies

Development and financial contributions are recognised as revenue when the Council provides, or is able to provide, the services for which the contribution was charged. Otherwise, development and financial contributions are recognised as liabilities until such time as the Council provides, or is able to provide, the service.

4    Subsidies and grants

Relevant significant accounting policies

The Council receives funding assistance from the New Zealand Transport Agency, which subsidises part of the costs of maintenance and capital expenditure on the local roading infrastructure. The subsidies are recognised as revenue upon entitlement, as conditions pertaining to eligible expenditure have been fulfilled.

Other grants received are recognised as revenue when they become receivable unless there is an obligation in substance to return funds if conditions of the grant are not met. If there is such an obligation, the grants are initially recorded as grants received in advance and recognised as revenue when conditions of the grant are satisfied.

5    Financial revenue

Relevant significant accounting policies

Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable, which is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset to that asset’s net carrying amount.

Dividend income from investments is recognised when the shareholders’ rights to receive payment have been established.

6    Other revenue

Relevant significant accounting policies                

Revenue is measured at fair value. The specific policies for significant revenue items included in other revenue are explained below:

Rental from investment properties          

Lease rentals (net of any incentives given) are recognised on a straight line basis over the term of the lease.

Regulatory services rendered      

Fees and charges for building and resource consent services are recognised on a percentage completion basis with reference to the recoverable costs incurred at balance date.

Vested assets                                                                                                                                                                    

For assets received for no or nominal consideration, the asset is recognised at its fair value when the Council obtains control of the asset. The fair value of the asset is recognised as revenue, unless there is a use or return condition attached to the asset.

Gain on fair value of investment property

Investment properties are held primarily to earn lease revenue and/or for capital growth. All investment properties are measured at fair value, determined annually by an independent registered valuer. Any gain or loss arising is recognised in the surplus or deficit for the period in which the gain or loss arises. Investment properties are not depreciated.

Other fees and charges  

Entrance fees are charged to users of the Council's local facilities, such as pools, museum exhibitions and Dunedin Chinese Garden. Revenue from entrance fees is recognised upon entry to such facilities.

Fees for disposing of waste at the Council's landfill are recognised as waste is disposed by users.

Infringement fees and fines which mostly relate to traffic and parking infringements, and library overdue book fines, are recognised when the infringement notice is issued or when the fines/penalties are otherwise imposed.

Rental income from operating leases, such as social housing, is recognised on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease.

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when significant risks and rewards of owning the goods are transferred to the buyer, when the revenue can be measured reliably and when management effectively ceases involvement or control.

Revenue from other services rendered is recognised when it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the entity. The stage of completion at balance date is assessed based on the value of services performed to date as a percentage of the total services to be performed.

7    Other expenses

Relevant significant accounting policies

General grants

Non-discretionary grants are grants that awarded if the grant application meets the specified criteria and are recognised as expenditure when an application that meets the specified criteria for the grant has been received.

Discretionary grants are grants where the Council has no obligation to award on receipt of the grant application and are recognised as expenditure when approved by the Council and the approval has been communicated to the applicant.

Operating lease expenses

An operating lease is a lease that does not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of an asset. Lease payments under an operating lease are recognised as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease incentives received are recognised in the surplus or deficit as a reduction of rental expense over the lease term.

Finance leases

Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee whether or not title is eventually transferred.

Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets of the Group at their fair value or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments, each determined at the inception of the lease.  The corresponding liability to the lessor is included in the balance sheet as a finance lease obligation.  Lease payments are apportioned between finance charges and reduction of the lease obligation so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.

Research and development

Expenditure on research activities is recognised as an expense in the period in which it is incurred.

8    Audit fees

9    Financial expenses

Relevant significant accounting policies

Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets, which are assets that necessarily take a substantial period of time to get ready for their intended use or sale, are added to the cost of those assets, until such time as the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale.

All other borrowing costs are recognised as an expense in the financial year in which they are incurred.

10    Depreciation and amortisation

11    Total group expenditure

12    Taxation

Relevant significant accounting policies                

The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.

The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year.  Taxable profit differs from net surplus as reported in the Statement of Comprehensive Revenue and Expense because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible.  The Council’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted by the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method.

Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised.  Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and associates, and interests in joint ventures, except where the Council is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised.  Deferred tax is charged or credited in the surplus or deficit, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity.

13    Equity

Equity is the community's interest in the Council and is measured as the difference between total assets and total liabilities. Equity is disaggregated and classified into components. The components are accumulated funds, revaluation reserves, restricted reserves, cash flow hedge reserves.

Relevant significant accounting policies

Restricted reserves are a component of equity generally representing a particular use to which various parts of equity have been assigned. Reserves may be legally restricted or created by the Council.

Restricted reserves include those subject to specific conditions accepted as binding by the Council and which may not be revised by the Council without reference to the Courts or a third party. Transfers from these reserves may be made only for certain specified purposes or when certain specified conditions are met.

Also included in restricted reserves are reserves restricted by Council decision. The Council may alter them without reference to any third party or the Courts. Transfers to and from these reserves are at the discretion of the Council.

The hedging reserve comprises the effective portion of the cumulative net change in the fair value of the cash flow hedging instruments relating to interest payments and foreign exchange transactions that have not yet occurred.

14    Cash and cash equivalents

Relevant significant accounting policies

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities in the statement of financial position.

15    Trade and other receivables and term receivables

Relevant significant accounting policies

Short-term receivables are recorded at the amount due, less an allowance for expected credit losses (ECL). The Council applies the simplified ECL model of recognising lifetime ECL for receivables.

In measuring ECLs, trade receivables are grouped based on similar credit risk and aging. A provision matrix is then established based on historical credit loss experience, adjusted for forward looking factors specific to the debtors and the economic environment.

The Dunedin City Council does not provide for any impairment on rates receivable as it has various powers under the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002 to recover any outstanding debts. These powers allow the Council to commence legal proceedings to recover any rates that remain unpaid four months after the due date for payment. If payment has not been made within three months of the Court's judgement, then the Council can apply to the Registrar of the High Court to have the judgement enforced by sale or lease of the rating unit.

"Rates are "written-off":

* when remitted in accordance with the Council's rates and remission policy; and

* in accordance with the write-off criteria of sections 90A (where rates cannot be reasonably recovered) and 90B (in relation to Māori freehold land) of the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002."

Other receivables are written-off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovery.

16    Inventories

Relevant significant accounting policies

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.  Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition.  Cost is calculated using the weighted average method.  Net realisable value represents the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.

17    Non-current assets held for sale

Relevant significant accounting policies

Non-current assets are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. They are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell.

Any impairment losses for write-downs are recognised in the surplus or deficit.

Any increases in fair value (less costs to sell) are recognised up to the level of any impairment losses that have been previously recognised.

Non-current assets are not depreciated or amortised while they are classified as held for sale (including those that are part of a disposal group).

18    Other financial assets

Relevant significant accounting policies

Investments are recognised and derecognised on a trade date where a purchase or sale of an investment is under a contract whose terms require delivery of the investment within the timeframe established by the market concerned, and are initially measured at cost, including transaction costs.

Investments in debt and equity securities are financial instruments classified as held for trading and are measured at fair value in the surplus or deficit at balance date. Any resultant gains or losses are recognised in the surplus or deficit for the period.

Loans and advances are financial instruments that are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.  This type of financial instrument includes deposits, term deposits, inter company loans, community loans and mortgages.

19    Accounts payable, accrued expenditure and employee entitlements

Relevant significant accounting policies

Trade and other payables are stated at cost.

Short-term employee entitlements

Employee benefits that are expected to be settled wholly before twelve months after the reporting period in which the employees render the related service are measured based on accrued entitlements at current rates of pay. These include salaries and wages accrued up to balance date and annual leave earned to but not yet taken at balance date.

The Council recognises a liability for sick leave to the extent that absences in the coming year are expected to be greater than the sick leave entitlements earned in the coming year.

The current portion of the retirement gratuities provision has been calculated on an actuarial basis and is based on the reasonable likelihood that it will be earned by employees and paid by the Council.

20   Term loans

Relevant significant accounting policies

Borrowings are initially recorded net of directly attributable transaction costs.  Finance charges, premiums payable on settlement or redemption and direct costs are accounted for on an accrual basis to the surplus or deficit using the effective interest method.

21    Provisions

Relevant significant accounting policies

Entitlements to the non-current portion of accrued long service leave and retirement gratuities are calculated on an actuarial basis and are based on the reasonable likelihood that they will be earned by employees and paid by the Council.

A provision is recognised in the balance sheet when the Council has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, and it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation.

Provisions for restructuring costs are recognised when the Council has a detailed formal plan for the restructuring that has been communicated to affected parties.

22    Property, plant and equipment

Relevant significant accounting policies

Property, plant and equipment are those assets held by the Council for the purpose of carrying on its business activities on an ongoing basis.

Operational assets

These include land, buildings, improvements, library books, plant and equipment, and motor vehicles.

Land and buildings 

Land and buildings are stated at revalued amounts being fair value at date of valuation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses. The revaluations are performed by an independent valuer on a three-yearly cycle.

Fixed plant and equipment 

Fixed plant and equipment is stated at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.

Vehicles, mobile plant 

Motor vehicles and other mobile plant and equipment are stated at cost less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.

Office equipment

Office equipment and fittings are stated at cost less any subsequent accumulated depreciation less any accumulated impairment losses.

Library collection 

Library collections are stated at cost less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses.

Infrastructural assets 

Infrastructure assets are the fixed utility systems owned by the Council.  Each asset type includes all items that are required for the network to function; for example, sewer reticulation includes reticulation piping and sewer pump stations.

Land is stated at revalued amounts being fair value at date of valuation less any subsequent accumulated impairment losses.  The revaluations are performed by an independent valuer on a three yearly cycle.

Landfill assets being earthworks, plant and machinery and the estimate of site restoration, are stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses.  The useful life of the Green Island Landfill is considered to be the period of time to the expiring of the associated consents in 2023.

Roadways and bridges have been stated at their revalued amounts being fair value based on depreciated replacement cost as at the date of valuation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.  Roadways and bridges are valued annually by an independent valuer.

Plant and facilities have been stated at their revalued amounts being fair value based on depreciated replacement cost as at the date of valuation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.  Plant and facilities are valued annually in-house and peer reviewed by an independent valuer.  Additions are recorded at cost and depreciated.

Reticulation assets, being the reticulation system and networks of water and drainage, have been stated at their revalued amounts being fair value based on depreciated replacement cost as at the date of valuation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses. Reticulation assets are valued annually in-house and peer reviewed by an independent valuer.

Restricted assets              

Restricted assets are parks and reserves owned by the Council which cannot be disposed of because of legal or other restrictions, and provide a benefit or service to the community.

Land, buildings and structures are stated at revalued amounts being fair value at date of valuation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.  The revaluations are performed by an independent valuer on a three yearly cycle.

Hard surfaces and reticulation systems are stated at revalued amounts being fair value at date of valuation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.  The revaluations are performed by an independent valuer on a three yearly cycle.

Road reserve land is stated at revalued amounts being fair value at date of valuation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses. Revaluations are performed by an independent valuer on a three yearly cycle.

Playground and soft-fall areas are stated at revalued amounts being fair value at date of valuation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.  Revaluations are performed by an independent valuer on a four yearly cycle.

Fixed plant and equipment has been stated at their deemed cost being fair value at the date of valuation based on depreciated replacement cost less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses

Additions are recorded at cost and depreciated.

Heritage assets                                                                                                                                                                

These include, but are not limited to, assets held by the Council subject to deeds of agreement, terms and conditions of bequests, donations, trusts or other restrictive legal covenants.  The Council’s control of these assets is restricted to a management/custodial role.

Heritage assets included are the Art Gallery Collection at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, the Theomin Collection at Olveston, the Toitū Otago Settlers Museum and the monuments, statues and outdoor art as well as land and buildings of the railway station and Olveston.

Except land and buildings, all other heritage assets are stated at cost less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.

Vested assets                                                                                                                                                                    

Vested assets are fixed assets given to the Council by a third party and could typically include water, drainage and roading assets created in the event of a subdivision. Vested assets also occur in the event of the donation of heritage or art assets by third parties.  The value of assets vested are recorded at fair value which could include as sale or acquisition the cost price to the third party to create or purchase that asset and equates to its fair value at the date of acquisition. Vested assets, other than those pertaining to collections, are subsequently depreciated.

Revaluations                                                                                                                                                                      

Revaluations are performed with sufficient regularity such that the carrying amount does not differ materially from that which would be determined using fair values at the balance sheet date.

Revaluation increases and decreases relating to individual assets within a class of assets are offset. Revaluation increases and decreases in respect of assets in different classes are not offset.

Where the carrying amount of a class of assets is increased as a result of a revaluation, the net revaluation increase is credited to the revaluation reserve.  The net revaluation increase shall be recognised in the surplus or deficit to the extent that it reverses a net revaluation decrease of the same class of assets previously recognised in the surplus or deficit.  A net revaluation decrease for a class of assets is recognised in the surplus or deficit, except to the extent it reverses a revaluation increase previously recognised in the revaluation reserve to the extent of any credit balance existing in the revaluation reserve in respect of the same class of asset.

Derecognition                                                                                                                                                                    

Items of property, plant and equipment are derecognised upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected to arise from the continued use of the asset.

Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the asset (calculated as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the item) is included in the surplus or deficit in the year the item is derecognised.

Depreciation                                                                                                                                                                      

Depreciation has been charged so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets, other than land, properties under construction and capital work in progress, on the straight line basis (SL).  Rates used have been calculated to allocate the asset’s cost or valuation less estimated residual value over their estimated remaining useful lives.

Where parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items of property, plant and equipment.

Depreciation commences when the assets are ready for their intended use.

Depreciation on revalued assets, excluding land, is charged to the Statement of Comprehensive Revenue and Expense.  On the subsequent sale or retirement of a revalued asset, the attributable revaluation surplus remaining in the appropriate property revaluation reserve is transferred directly to retained earnings.

Assets held under finance leases are depreciated over their expected useful lives on the same basis as owned assets, or where shorter, over the term of the relevant lease.

23    Investment property

Relevant significant accounting policies                

Investment property is property held to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation.  All investment properties are stated at fair value, as determined annually by independent valuers at the balance sheet date.

Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of investment properties are recognised in the surplus or deficit for the period in which the gain or loss arises.

24    Derivative financial instruments

The Council’s activities expose it primarily to the financial risks of changes in interest rates. The Council uses interest rate swap contracts to hedge these exposures.

The Council does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. However, derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting, under the specific IFRS rules, are accounted for as trading instruments with fair value gains/losses being taken directly to the surplus or deficit.

The use of financial derivatives is governed by Council’s policies which provide written principles on the use of financial derivatives.

Derivative financial instruments are recognised initially at fair value.  Subsequent to initial recognition derivative financial instruments are re-measured at fair value.

Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that are designated and effective as hedges of future cash flows are recognised directly in equity and the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the surplus or deficit. If the cash flow hedge of a firm commitment or forecasted transaction results in the recognition of an asset or a liability, then, at the time the asset or liability is recognised, the associated gains or losses on the derivative that had previously been recognised in equity are included in the initial measurement of the asset or liability. For hedges that do not result in the recognition of an asset or a liability, amounts deferred in equity are recognised in the surplus or deficit in the same period in which the hedged item affects net surplus or deficit.

For an effective hedge of an exposure to changes in the fair value, the hedged item is adjusted for changes in fair value attributable to the risk being hedged with the corresponding entry in the surplus or deficit. Gains or losses from re-measuring the derivative, or for non-derivatives the foreign currency component of its carrying amount, are recognised in the surplus or deficit.

Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are recognised in the surplus or deficit as they arise. Derivatives not designated into an effective hedge relationship are classified as current assets or liabilities.

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised, or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. At that time, any cumulative gain or loss on the hedging instrument recognised in equity is retained in equity until the forecasted transaction occurs. If a hedged transaction is no longer expected to occur, the net cumulative gain or loss recognised in equity is transferred to the surplus or deficit for the period.

Derivatives embedded in other financial instruments or other host contracts are treated as separate derivatives when their risks and characteristics are not closely related to those of host contracts and the host contracts are not carried at fair value with unrealised gains or losses reported in the surplus or deficit.

The Council has not presented group prospective financial statements. The prospective financial statements are for core Council only.

The main purpose of prospective financial statements in the 10 year plan is to provide users with information about the core services that the Council intends to provide ratepayers, the expected cost of those services and, as a consequence, how much the Council requires by way of rates to fund the intended levels of service. The level of rates funding required is not affected by subsidiaries except to the extent that the Council obtains distributions from, or further invests in, those subsidiaries. Such effects are included in the prospective financial statements of the Council.

The forecast financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Local Government Act 2002.

The Local Government Act 2002 requires a council to, at all times, have a long-term plan under s 93, which covers a period of not less than 10 consecutive financial years; and includes the information required by Part 1 of Schedule 10.

Under Section 93 of the Local Government Act 2002, the purpose of a long term plan is to:

1. describe the activities of the local authority; and
2. describe the community outcomes of the local authority’s district or region; and
3. provide integrated decision-making and co-ordination of the resources of the local authority; and
4. provide a long-term focus for the decisions and activities of the local authority; and
5. provide a basis for accountability of the local authority to the community.

The Council adopted the 10 year plan on 30 June 2021.

The Council is responsible for the forecast financial statements including the appropriateness of the underlying assumptions and other disclosures.

Nature of prospective information

The forecast financial statements are prepared in accordance with Tier 1 Public Benefit Entity Financial Reporting Standard 42. They are prepared on the basis of best-estimate assumptions as to future events, which the Council expects to take place in June 2021.

Cautionary note

The forecast financial statements are prospective financial information. Actual results are likely to vary from the information presented, and the variations may be material.

The following assumptions, which have a level of uncertainty of high, could lead to a material difference to the prospective financial statements. The uncertainties could lead to additional rates revenue and/or debt to the extent that budgets cannot be reprioritised.

• COVID-19 – Impacts of COVID-19 on DCC population, dwelling and rating projections – impacts of higher or lower growth than projected are an increase or decrease in demand for services and infrastructure creating potential for under or overspend of the 10 year plan budget.
• COVID-19 – Impacts of COVID-19 on projected visitor numbers on a peak day – the potential impact of lower or higher than anticipated visitor growth are impacts on the timing/demand for infrastructure and on the composition of the Dunedin economy.
• COVID-19 – Impacts of COVID-19 on the Dunedin economy – potential impacts of slower than anticipated economic growth could lead to financial pressure on DCC.
• CLIMATE CHANGE – Carbon Zero 2030 target
• RESILIENCE AND CIVIL DEFENCE – Resilience to emergencies – if a significant disaster occurs that exceeds the DCC’s ability to respond.

The following assumption, which has a level of uncertainty of high, could lead to a material difference to the prospective financial statements. The uncertainty could lead to assets being transferred to a new entity. This would impact on operating revenues, operating costs, assets, debt, the Financial Strategy and the Infrastructure Strategy.

• FUTURE LEGISLATIVE CHANGES – Proposed 3 Waters reform

Extent to which prospective information incorporates actual results

The period covered by the 10 year plan contains no actual operating results, but the forecast balance sheet is extrapolated from the audited Statement of Financial

Position included in the Dunedin City Council Annual Report as at 30 June 2020.

Basis of underlying assumptions

The 10 year plan brings together summary information from several vastly detailed and comprehensive strategic planning processes. There are a number of Council strategies, plans and policies that guide the Council’s decision-making and influence the content of this plan.

All Council groups of activities have prepared Group Management Plans. These plans have been prepared using standard templates and business assumptions. The most significant business assumption is the provision of the same level of service, which implies there will be no termination of service for any activity.

What is the purpose of this Statement?

The purpose of this statement is to disclose the Council’s planned financial performance in relation to various benchmarks to enable the assessment of whether the Council is prudently managing its revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities, and general financial dealings.

The Council is required to include this statement in its long-term plan in accordance with the Local Government (Financial Reporting and Prudence) Regulations 2014 (the regulations). Refer to the regulations for more information, including definitions of some of the terms used in this statement.

Rates Affordability Benchmark

The Council meets the rates affordability benchmark if –

• Its planned rates income equals or is less than each quantified limit on rates; and
• Its planned rates increases equal or are less than each quantified limit on rates increases.

Rates (Income) Affordability

The following graph compares the Council’s planned rates with a quantified limit on rates contained in the financial strategy included in the Council’s long-term plan. The quantified limit is $179 million for the 2021/22 year.

Rates (Increases) Affordability

The following graph compares the Council’s planned rates increases with a quantified limit on rates increases contained in the financial strategy included in the Council’s long term plan. The quantified limit is 10.0% for the 2021/22 year. Please refer to the financial strategy for the quantified limits for the remaining nine years.

Debt Affordability Benchmark

The Council meets the debt affordability benchmark if its planned borrowing is within each quantified limit on borrowing.

The following graph compares the Council’s planned debt with a quantified limit on borrowing contained in the financial strategy included in the Council’s long term plan. The quantified limit is $736 million for the 2021/22 year. Please refer to the financial strategy for the quantified limits for the remaining nine years.

Balanced Budget Benchmark

The following graph displays the Council’s planned revenue (excluding development contributions, financial contributions, vested assets, gains on derivative financial instruments and revaluations of property, plant or equipment) as a proportion of planned operating expenses (excluding losses on derivative financial instruments and revaluations of property, plant or equipment).

The Council meets the balanced budget benchmark if its planned revenue equals or is greater than its planned operating expenses.

Essential Services Benchmark

The following graph displays the Council’s planned capital expenditure on network services as a proportion of expected depreciation on network services.

The Council meets the essential services benchmark if its planned capital expenditure on network services equals or is greater than expected depreciation on network services.

Debt Servicing Benchmark

The following graph displays the Council’s planned borrowing costs as a proportion of planned revenue (excluding development contributions, financial contributions, vested assets, gains on derivative financial instruments, and revaluations of property, plant or equipment).

Because Statistics New Zealand projects the Council’s population will grow more slowly than the national population is expected to grow, it meets the debt servicing benchmark if its planned borrowing costs equal or are less than 10% of its revenue