Bay of Plenty Regional Council

Western Bay of Plenty Constituency
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council makes decisions about managing resources in the region, such as air, water, soil and the coastline. It also carries out plant and pest control, helps prepare for natural disasters, and is involved in regional transport. The council is made up of 14 councillors. Councillors are elected to represent constituencies (areas in the region). Two councillors will be elected from the Western Bay of Plenty constituency. 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 Bay of Plenty Regional 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.

  • Ensure that council expenditure is fully justified with any rate increases commensurate with inflation.

    Manage council debt to avoid inter-generational theft.

    Ensure that council's fees and charges are fair and reasonable.

  • Ensure appropriate oversight of the operations of Port of Tauranga with regard to its environmental footprint and impact.

    Ensure that rates are set to enable the council to develop appropriate infrastructure with particular reference to climate change.

    Ensure council spending has the appropriate controls to ensure financial efficiency, whilst not impacting service levels.

  • Ensure focus on the core roles of council first and foremost – do what we must do and do it well before considering the nice but optional.

    Ensure optimal procurement and project monitoring processes are used where council funding is involved. Ensure ratepayers get value.

    Spend investment income to benefit the region where it makes sense to do so. Money's value is in what you do with it not in just having it.

  • Demand prudent financial management, sound investment strategy, and wise use of ratepayer funds to ensure best outcomes for our communities.

    Keep rates as low as practicable while reviewing and balancing all sources of revenue in a fair and equitable manner.

    Ensure regional benefit through Council-controlled Organisation investment in a diverse and sustainable portfolio providing strong dividends for Council's communities.

  • Ensure that council expenditure is fully justified with any rate increases commensurate with inflation.

    Manage council debt to avoid inter-generational theft.

    Ensure that council's fees and charges are fair and reasonable.

  • Ensure appropriate oversight of the operations of Port of Tauranga with regard to its environmental footprint and impact.

    Ensure that rates are set to enable the council to develop appropriate infrastructure with particular reference to climate change.

    Ensure council spending has the appropriate controls to ensure financial efficiency, whilst not impacting service levels.

  • Ensure focus on the core roles of council first and foremost – do what we must do and do it well before considering the nice but optional.

    Ensure optimal procurement and project monitoring processes are used where council funding is involved. Ensure ratepayers get value.

    Spend investment income to benefit the region where it makes sense to do so. Money's value is in what you do with it not in just having it.

  • Demand prudent financial management, sound investment strategy, and wise use of ratepayer funds to ensure best outcomes for our communities.

    Keep rates as low as practicable while reviewing and balancing all sources of revenue in a fair and equitable manner.

    Ensure regional benefit through Council-controlled Organisation investment in a diverse and sustainable portfolio providing strong dividends for Council's communities.