Invercargill City Council

The Invercargill 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 12 councillors and the mayor. 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 Invercargill 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.

  • Utilise council and community expertise to continue to positively develop our city and province.

    Show transparent fiscal responsibility at all times.

    Development positive partnerships with organisations.

  • Review council spending and find more efficient and effective ways of working to reduce council costs.

    Limit rate increases and target council spending into key projects and partnership opportunities that show an investment return.

    Work in partnership with central government, iwi, businesses and local funders to invest in key areas such as the Museum, Bluff, South City.

  • Keep rates increases below inflation. Rates increases hurt those on fix incomes the most. Review expenditure to cut potential wastage.

    Maintain current AA+ credit rating by continuing the self-imposed debt level restrictions. Avoid bearing future generations with debt.

    Avoid getting involved directly with commercial projects. Council has had a poor track record when it comes to investing.

  • Hold or lower rates, major items like Three Waters should be shifted to a consumption tax, submitted such to Finance and Expenditure Committee.

    Best practice financial management should continue, undertaken by council staff and advisors of all council investments and fees and charges.

    Keep council debt within current limits, keep the financial rating at AA+ with a Stable Outlook, by careful debt prediction and management.

  • Continue to strike the balance between rate increases, community needs and affordability.

    Ensure we maintain our AA+ credit rating by continuing the self-imposed debt level restrictions.

    Review council spending to drive for efficiency in everything we do.

  • Ensure rates are maintained within affordable limits for ratepayers.

    Set fees and charges to fairly reflect cost of services to users.

  • Look into the structure of the rating process to ensure all city inhabitants are being treated fairly.

    Minimise council debt by keeping council's nose out of what should be private enterprise.

    Maintain council charges at the lowest possible level and avoid cross-subsidisation of poor performing areas.

  • Continue to find the balance required between rate increases and affordability.

    Raise awareness with the community about rate increases and levels of service so we can have a real conversation about it.

    Revisit user pays fees.

  • Commit council to be financially vigilant and that all land investments short or long term must return a profit.

    Commit council with resources and technology to further improve building consents team and increase numbers of resource consents issued.

    Commit council to reducing the out of town consultancy expenses, to support local.

  • Utilise council and community expertise to continue to positively develop our city and province.

    Show transparent fiscal responsibility at all times.

    Development positive partnerships with organisations.

  • Review council spending and find more efficient and effective ways of working to reduce council costs.

    Limit rate increases and target council spending into key projects and partnership opportunities that show an investment return.

    Work in partnership with central government, iwi, businesses and local funders to invest in key areas such as the Museum, Bluff, South City.

  • Keep rates increases below inflation. Rates increases hurt those on fix incomes the most. Review expenditure to cut potential wastage.

    Maintain current AA+ credit rating by continuing the self-imposed debt level restrictions. Avoid bearing future generations with debt.

    Avoid getting involved directly with commercial projects. Council has had a poor track record when it comes to investing.

  • Hold or lower rates, major items like Three Waters should be shifted to a consumption tax, submitted such to Finance and Expenditure Committee.

    Best practice financial management should continue, undertaken by council staff and advisors of all council investments and fees and charges.

    Keep council debt within current limits, keep the financial rating at AA+ with a Stable Outlook, by careful debt prediction and management.

  • Continue to strike the balance between rate increases, community needs and affordability.

    Ensure we maintain our AA+ credit rating by continuing the self-imposed debt level restrictions.

    Review council spending to drive for efficiency in everything we do.

  • Ensure rates are maintained within affordable limits for ratepayers.

    Set fees and charges to fairly reflect cost of services to users.

  • Look into the structure of the rating process to ensure all city inhabitants are being treated fairly.

    Minimise council debt by keeping council's nose out of what should be private enterprise.

    Maintain council charges at the lowest possible level and avoid cross-subsidisation of poor performing areas.

  • Continue to find the balance required between rate increases and affordability.

    Raise awareness with the community about rate increases and levels of service so we can have a real conversation about it.

    Revisit user pays fees.

  • Commit council to be financially vigilant and that all land investments short or long term must return a profit.

    Commit council with resources and technology to further improve building consents team and increase numbers of resource consents issued.

    Commit council to reducing the out of town consultancy expenses, to support local.