Gisborne District Council

Tairāwhiti Māori Ward
The Gisborne District Council provides local services and facilities, such as public transport, rubbish and recycling, libraries, parks, and recreation facilities. It also passes local regulations and makes decisions about infrastructure, such as water supply and sewerage, and about the region’s resources, including water, soil and the coastline. The council is made up of 13 councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). Five councillors will be elected from the Tairāwhiti Māori ward. This is a single transferable vote (STV) election, so you vote by ranking the candidates on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Gisborne 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.

  • Recommend a new rate system for all land in Māori title.

    Review fees and charges.

    Review council's debt and investments.

  • Take a good hard look at council spending and see where cuts can be made. Focus the bulk on Oranga Wai, Oranga Whenua, Oranga Tangata.

    Look at fees and charges for forestry companies in relation to road repairs.

    Work extremely hard and exhaust all options before having to resort to raising rates.

  • Revise rates that fit the environment.

  • Consider how more investment in smaller communities via rates contribution.

  • Direct a funding pathway from Trust Tairāwhiti to the completion of wastewater land based treatment program.

    Create a fairer more equitable rating system based on the capital value of the property and kept in step with inflation.

    Reduce rate take to reflect our communities' ability to pay which may mean a recalibration of council services and projects.

  • Investigate a Māori rating system that takes into account complex multiply-owned land issues and the fact that Māori land is not real estate.

    Review Gisborne District Council fees and charges.

  • Recommend a new rate system for all land in Māori title.

    Review fees and charges.

    Review council's debt and investments.

  • Take a good hard look at council spending and see where cuts can be made. Focus the bulk on Oranga Wai, Oranga Whenua, Oranga Tangata.

    Look at fees and charges for forestry companies in relation to road repairs.

    Work extremely hard and exhaust all options before having to resort to raising rates.

  • Revise rates that fit the environment.

  • Consider how more investment in smaller communities via rates contribution.

  • Direct a funding pathway from Trust Tairāwhiti to the completion of wastewater land based treatment program.

    Create a fairer more equitable rating system based on the capital value of the property and kept in step with inflation.

    Reduce rate take to reflect our communities' ability to pay which may mean a recalibration of council services and projects.

  • Investigate a Māori rating system that takes into account complex multiply-owned land issues and the fact that Māori land is not real estate.

    Review Gisborne District Council fees and charges.