Hawke's Bay Regional Council

Wairoa General Constituency
The Hawke's Bay Regional Council 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 11 councillors. Councillors are elected to represent constituencies (areas in the region). One councillor will be elected from the Wairoa constituency. 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 Hawke's Bay Regional 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 the cycle of borrowing, increasing spending and increasing rate take.

    Long-term plans, whilst aspirational, will reflect the financial limitations of the district.

    Fees and charges need to be targeted and proportional, to recover costs generated.

  • Restrict the cycle of borrowing, increasing spending and increasing rate take.

    Long-term plans, whilst aspirational, will reflect the financial limitations of the district.

    Fees and charges need to be targeted and proportional, to recover costs generated.