Christchurch City Council

Halswell Ward
The Christchurch City 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 16 councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the city). One councillor will be elected from the Halswell 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 Christchurch City 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.

  • Cap unsustainable rate rises by setting an achievable capital programme budget, cutting wasteful spending, and reducing inefficiencies.

    Investigate road levy for commuter traffic coming in from Selwyn and Waimakariri districts to assist with our road improvements and repairs.

    Complete a full audit of council operating budgets and staffing levels.

  • Introduce a costs benefits-based process for selection of capital projects which are aligned to the council strategic plan.

  • Commit to better budgeting and saving to minimise the increase in rates.

    Emphasise and practice transparency, so that council will have all information they need to make the best spending choices.

  • Work to cap rate rises to a more sustainable and more affordable figure.

    Develop an online rates calculator for Annual Plan consultations so residents can truly have an informed say on what Christchurch City Council should prioritise.

    Ensure council have strategic investments and assets in place to reduce the burden on rates in the long term.

  • Cap unsustainable rate rises by setting an achievable capital programme budget, cutting wasteful spending, and reducing inefficiencies.

    Investigate road levy for commuter traffic coming in from Selwyn and Waimakariri districts to assist with our road improvements and repairs.

    Complete a full audit of council operating budgets and staffing levels.

  • Introduce a costs benefits-based process for selection of capital projects which are aligned to the council strategic plan.

  • Commit to better budgeting and saving to minimise the increase in rates.

    Emphasise and practice transparency, so that council will have all information they need to make the best spending choices.

  • Work to cap rate rises to a more sustainable and more affordable figure.

    Develop an online rates calculator for Annual Plan consultations so residents can truly have an informed say on what Christchurch City Council should prioritise.

    Ensure council have strategic investments and assets in place to reduce the burden on rates in the long term.