Otago Regional Council

Dunstan Constituency
The Otago 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 11 councillors. Councillors are elected to represent constituencies (areas in the region). Three councillors will be elected from the Dunstan 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 Otago 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.

  • Advocate that general rate rises are no greater than the rate of inflation.

  • Ensure there is agreement with communities to provide enough money to do the work that needs doing. Requires better communication.

    Build balanced budgets that leave reserves for intergenerational benefit projects. Start developing such long-term projects.

    Support Port Otago and the financial management that has allowed Otago Regional Council to build reserves and maintain a strong fiscal position.

  • Ensure that the financial strategy allows council to deliver its strategic priorities.

  • Otago Regional Council's rates should be tagged to inflation: the need to expand the council's operations has been effected. We must recognise our rates burden.

    All council charges require review – especially the processing of consents – to ensure that they are fair and reasonable.

    Council has little debt and a sizeable investment portfolio administered by the Port of Otago. It's there to fund environmental projects.

  • Challenging staff on proposed rates increases.

    Requiring substantive justification of expenditure.

    Ensuring the Otago Regional Council assets and investments are safeguarded for future generations.

  • Advocate that general rate rises are no greater than the rate of inflation.

  • Ensure there is agreement with communities to provide enough money to do the work that needs doing. Requires better communication.

    Build balanced budgets that leave reserves for intergenerational benefit projects. Start developing such long-term projects.

    Support Port Otago and the financial management that has allowed Otago Regional Council to build reserves and maintain a strong fiscal position.

  • Ensure that the financial strategy allows council to deliver its strategic priorities.

  • Otago Regional Council's rates should be tagged to inflation: the need to expand the council's operations has been effected. We must recognise our rates burden.

    All council charges require review – especially the processing of consents – to ensure that they are fair and reasonable.

    Council has little debt and a sizeable investment portfolio administered by the Port of Otago. It's there to fund environmental projects.

  • Challenging staff on proposed rates increases.

    Requiring substantive justification of expenditure.

    Ensuring the Otago Regional Council assets and investments are safeguarded for future generations.