Kaipara District Council

Otamatea General Ward
The Kaipara 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 nine councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). Two councillors will be elected from the Otamatea 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 Kaipara 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.

  • Recognise that rates as a funding model is the problem, but current settings are about as good as they can be.

    Recognise that debt is a valid tool where a new asset is to benefit multiple generations.

    Support continued use of independent chair for Audit and Risk Review committee.

  • Cap rates increases to be in line with inflation.

    Minimise council activities and expenditure for 'feel good' projects.

    Keep council debt under control as a priority.

  • Increase government accountability for councils meeting legislated requirements.

    Be truly competitive in fees and charges, and open to private industry and neighbouring councils to perform with enforceable responsibility.

  • Recognise that rates as a funding model is the problem, but current settings are about as good as they can be.

    Recognise that debt is a valid tool where a new asset is to benefit multiple generations.

    Support continued use of independent chair for Audit and Risk Review committee.

  • Cap rates increases to be in line with inflation.

    Minimise council activities and expenditure for 'feel good' projects.

    Keep council debt under control as a priority.

  • Increase government accountability for councils meeting legislated requirements.

    Be truly competitive in fees and charges, and open to private industry and neighbouring councils to perform with enforceable responsibility.