Northland Regional Council

Bay of Islands-Whangaroa General Constituency
The Northland 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 nine councillors. Councillors are elected to represent constituencies (areas in the region). One councillor will be elected from the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa General 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 Northland 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.

  • Aim to keep each council independent from central government's overreach of investments already planned for.

    Look at what debt there may be in council and work towards an acceptable way to get that down.

    Be transparent in where the rates money is spent.

  • Aim to keep each council independent from central government's overreach of investments already planned for.

    Look at what debt there may be in council and work towards an acceptable way to get that down.

    Be transparent in where the rates money is spent.