Matamata-Piako District Council

Matamata General Ward
The Matamata-Piako 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 12 councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). Four councillors will be elected from the Matamata 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 Matamata-Piako 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.

  • Service all debts at a sustainable level. Limit spending to only vital services for six months to improve balance sheet. Accrue no new debt.

    Re-invest all profits back into expenditure. Discontinue all unnecessary committees and subcommittees.

    Lower rates for all small businesses by 10%. Make a rates relief available for new businesses. Invest in vital infrastructure.

  • Maintain reasonable levels of rates, keeping Matamata-Piako affordable and in line with inflation.

    Publish transparent reports on council spending.

    Avoid high levels of council debt.

  • Promote a flat, broad and simple rating systems for ease of application, minimal loopholes and transparent implementation.

    Apply user-pays systems of cost recovery when applicable.

    Manage council community financial assets for broad benefit with an informed level of risk.

  • Work within council's current debt level to ensure that there is sufficient 'head room' if required for an unplanned event.

    Review the policy to 'maintain current levels of service' to meet expectations of the district's growing urban areas.

    Continue to review and question fees and charges to ensure increases remain in line with the economy.

  • Service all debts at a sustainable level. Limit spending to only vital services for six months to improve balance sheet. Accrue no new debt.

    Re-invest all profits back into expenditure. Discontinue all unnecessary committees and subcommittees.

    Lower rates for all small businesses by 10%. Make a rates relief available for new businesses. Invest in vital infrastructure.

  • Maintain reasonable levels of rates, keeping Matamata-Piako affordable and in line with inflation.

    Publish transparent reports on council spending.

    Avoid high levels of council debt.

  • Promote a flat, broad and simple rating systems for ease of application, minimal loopholes and transparent implementation.

    Apply user-pays systems of cost recovery when applicable.

    Manage council community financial assets for broad benefit with an informed level of risk.

  • Work within council's current debt level to ensure that there is sufficient 'head room' if required for an unplanned event.

    Review the policy to 'maintain current levels of service' to meet expectations of the district's growing urban areas.

    Continue to review and question fees and charges to ensure increases remain in line with the economy.