Central Otago District Council

Vincent Ward
The Central Otago District Council provides local services and facilities, such as public transport, rubbish and recycling, libraries, parks, and recreation facilities. It also makes decisions about building and planning, local regulations, and infrastructure, such as water supply and sewerage. The council is made up of 11 councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). Five councillors will be elected from the Vincent 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 Central Otago District 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.

  • Fund long-term capital projects through debt.

    Subsidise council-supplied services such as swimming pools.

    Limit rates increases to 5% per annum.

  • Limit rate increases where realistically possible during these difficult financial times.

    Use any money gained through Three Waters to lessen the impact on ratepayers and renters during recession or deflect financial times.

    Work towards a financial reporting system that shows not just financial impact but also social, cultural, and environmental.

  • Advocate for sensible spending for the next three years that focuses on core responsibilities.

    Ensure fees and charges are apportioned in a way that doesn't exclude those on low incomes from participating fully in communities.

    Ensure the cost of growth is spread across the generations who will benefit.

  • Rates ideally should be indexed to inflation. I support rates based on property valuation.

    Establishing a local development bank similar to the Bank of North Dakota would be a way of securing development funding.

    Efficient service delivery must always be a consideration of council activities. Both investments and all council related charging.

  • Get core business done. Support staff to ensure this happens.

    Borrow money for infrastructure works. Intergenerational debt structure for the projects.

  • Fund long-term capital projects through debt.

    Subsidise council-supplied services such as swimming pools.

    Limit rates increases to 5% per annum.

  • Limit rate increases where realistically possible during these difficult financial times.

    Use any money gained through Three Waters to lessen the impact on ratepayers and renters during recession or deflect financial times.

    Work towards a financial reporting system that shows not just financial impact but also social, cultural, and environmental.

  • Advocate for sensible spending for the next three years that focuses on core responsibilities.

    Ensure fees and charges are apportioned in a way that doesn't exclude those on low incomes from participating fully in communities.

    Ensure the cost of growth is spread across the generations who will benefit.

  • Rates ideally should be indexed to inflation. I support rates based on property valuation.

    Establishing a local development bank similar to the Bank of North Dakota would be a way of securing development funding.

    Efficient service delivery must always be a consideration of council activities. Both investments and all council related charging.

  • Get core business done. Support staff to ensure this happens.

    Borrow money for infrastructure works. Intergenerational debt structure for the projects.