Manawatū District Council

Manawatū Rural General Ward
The Manawatū 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 11 councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). Five councillors will be elected from the Manawatū Rural 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 Manawatū 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.

  • Avoid rate increases for residents.

    Reduce council debt.

    Improve council financial transparency.

  • Discourage borrowing from Local Government Funding Agency. Interest rates are low but strings attached, unelected people should not dictate how council spends money.

    Maintain rates affordability by keeping rates rises within the level of inflation.

  • Ensure council is meeting the fundamental needs of the core council business.

  • Avoid rate increases for residents.

    Reduce council debt.

    Improve council financial transparency.

  • Discourage borrowing from Local Government Funding Agency. Interest rates are low but strings attached, unelected people should not dictate how council spends money.

    Maintain rates affordability by keeping rates rises within the level of inflation.

  • Ensure council is meeting the fundamental needs of the core council business.