Hastings District Council

Takitimu Māori Ward
The Hastings 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 15 councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). Three councillors will be elected from the Takitimu Māori 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 Hastings 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.

  • Restrict rate increases due to the Hastings District having one of the lowest wages per capita levels in New Zealand.

    Create opportunities for central government funding for developments such as housing developments.

    Prioritise spending for those critical infrastructure and climate resilience needs.

  • Oppose rates increases – they should not be the norm!

    Review current rates spending to ensure that the council is operating at its highest efficiency.

    Ensure return on investment in council owned assets is maximised.

  • Restrict rate increases due to the Hastings District having one of the lowest wages per capita levels in New Zealand.

    Create opportunities for central government funding for developments such as housing developments.

    Prioritise spending for those critical infrastructure and climate resilience needs.

  • Oppose rates increases – they should not be the norm!

    Review current rates spending to ensure that the council is operating at its highest efficiency.

    Ensure return on investment in council owned assets is maximised.