Environment Canterbury

Mid-Canterbury/Ōpākihi Constituency
Environment Canterbury is the regional council for Canterbury. It 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 up to 16 councillors. 14 councillors are elected to represent constituencies (areas in the region), including two councillors from the Mid-Canterbury/Ōpākihi constituency. Up to two councillors can be appointed by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. 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 Environment Canterbury 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.

  • Behave as if every dollar raised in rates is a dollar from my own pocket.

    Ensure my constituents support any new rates because they see the benefit of that expenditure, eg flood protection ($1 spent protects $8,000).

    Put in place accountability systems that can rank expenditure according to value/benefit gained for dollar spent.

  • Manage Environment Canterbury's finances as effectively and efficiently as possible for the majority of ratepayers.

    Increase the penalties for pollution – polluter pays not the public.

    Remain cognizant of ratepayer charges without compromising Environment Canterbury's statutory roles.

  • Behave as if every dollar raised in rates is a dollar from my own pocket.

    Ensure my constituents support any new rates because they see the benefit of that expenditure, eg flood protection ($1 spent protects $8,000).

    Put in place accountability systems that can rank expenditure according to value/benefit gained for dollar spent.

  • Manage Environment Canterbury's finances as effectively and efficiently as possible for the majority of ratepayers.

    Increase the penalties for pollution – polluter pays not the public.

    Remain cognizant of ratepayer charges without compromising Environment Canterbury's statutory roles.