Christchurch City Council

Waimairi 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 Waimairi 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.

  • Keep rates below inflation.

  • Support active and constructive engagement with central government over Three Waters to get the best deal for ratepayers.

    For total transparency the cost of the stadium needs to be a separate budget line in future rates rises.

    No asset sales of revenue generating income streams.

  • Propose a system to scrutinise any major financial decision by all committee chairs.

    Work with other councillors to make sure that the rate should not be increased more than the average salary of the Christchurch public.

    Find external investors or sell shares to achieve major capital funding.

  • Keep rates below inflation.

  • Support active and constructive engagement with central government over Three Waters to get the best deal for ratepayers.

    For total transparency the cost of the stadium needs to be a separate budget line in future rates rises.

    No asset sales of revenue generating income streams.

  • Propose a system to scrutinise any major financial decision by all committee chairs.

    Work with other councillors to make sure that the rate should not be increased more than the average salary of the Christchurch public.

    Find external investors or sell shares to achieve major capital funding.