Auckland Council

Waitematā and Gulf Ward
The Auckland Council makes strategic decisions for Auckland on public transport, urban planning, environmental protection and other big issues. The council provides funding to local boards to provide public services in their areas, and manages council-controlled organisations which provide infrastructure, such as public transport, water and sewerage. The councillors and mayor make up the governing body, which shares governance of Auckland Council with the 21 local boards. The governing body is made up of 20 councillors plus the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in Auckland). One councillor will be elected from your ward. This is a first past the post (FPP) election, so you vote by ticking the name of your preferred candidate on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Auckland Council election.

Rates and revenue

The work of local government is funded mainly by property taxes in the local area, known as rates. This makes up around 60% of council expenditure, with the rest coming from user charges, investment income, regulatory fees and roading subsidies. Councils can also borrow money to spread the cost of large investments such as infrastructure over a longer period of time.

Rates and revenue

The work of local government is funded mainly by property taxes in the local area, known as rates. This makes up around 60% of council expenditure, with the rest coming from user charges, investment income, regulatory fees and roading subsidies. Councils can also borrow money to spread the cost of large investments such as infrastructure over a longer period of time.

  • Have Auckland referendum on subsidising Waiheke long-term resident rentals using levy on short-term. Direct democracy, take median value.

    Review funding for the New Zealand Transport Agency case for a second harbour crossing involving rail. Cyclists can take their bikes on this train or the ferry.

    Have Auckland referendum on special infrastructure levy, take median value. Give suggestion – local capital gains tax until capital gains equal risk-free rate of return.

  • Careful financial management of council's budget to maintain Auckland's AA/Aa2 credit rating and continue to find savings ($2.4 billion since 2010).

    Increase sources of council funding, including return of GST or a bed tax, by working with government.

    Introduce coastal occupation charges so that structures such as private marinas are required to pay rent for using the marine environment.

  • Hold rates to the rate of inflation.

    Oppose sale of council's remaining income earning assets, parking buildings, Ports of Auckland and shares in Auckland International Airport.

    Support and independent audit of council finances and procurement and how 20, mainly offshore, corporates received $10b over 10 years.

  • Take special care to avoid "budget blowouts", recognising that inflation will be a problem in 2022-23.

    Ensure what the council invests in is of benefit to NZ and, if possible, to local Auckland businesses.

    Review all fees and charges, eliminating and simplifying those whose reduction would benefit small businesses.

  • Have Auckland referendum on subsidising Waiheke long-term resident rentals using levy on short-term. Direct democracy, take median value.

    Review funding for the New Zealand Transport Agency case for a second harbour crossing involving rail. Cyclists can take their bikes on this train or the ferry.

    Have Auckland referendum on special infrastructure levy, take median value. Give suggestion – local capital gains tax until capital gains equal risk-free rate of return.

  • Careful financial management of council's budget to maintain Auckland's AA/Aa2 credit rating and continue to find savings ($2.4 billion since 2010).

    Increase sources of council funding, including return of GST or a bed tax, by working with government.

    Introduce coastal occupation charges so that structures such as private marinas are required to pay rent for using the marine environment.

  • Hold rates to the rate of inflation.

    Oppose sale of council's remaining income earning assets, parking buildings, Ports of Auckland and shares in Auckland International Airport.

    Support and independent audit of council finances and procurement and how 20, mainly offshore, corporates received $10b over 10 years.

  • Take special care to avoid "budget blowouts", recognising that inflation will be a problem in 2022-23.

    Ensure what the council invests in is of benefit to NZ and, if possible, to local Auckland businesses.

    Review all fees and charges, eliminating and simplifying those whose reduction would benefit small businesses.

Auckland Council - Find Candidates
Auckland Council - Find Candidates