Porirua City Council

Pāuatahanui General Ward
The Porirua City 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 10 councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the city). Four councillors will be elected from the Pāuatahanui 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 Porirua City 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.

  • Deliver strong governance around management of limited resources.

    Invest in key infrastructure in preparation for growth.

    Investigate rate reductions through amalgamation of Wellington region councils.

  • Involve the public in a consultation exercise around rates, fees, and spending priorities.

    Minimise borrowing as much as possible, and pay down debt where possible, in order to reduce the risk posed by rising interest rates.

    Prioritise investments in critical infrastructure and eliminate spending on vanity projects.

  • Commit to improving how effectively council reacts to significant changes in society which affect financial aspects.

    Commit to improving how effectively council communicates with ratepayers regarding financial aspects.

  • Be a strong voice for greater efficiency in council to counter the growing pressure on capital and operational expenditure cost increases.

    Advocate for rates which provide value for money.

  • Plan ahead to price costs over their full lives; invest in projects like climate resilience now to avoid future cost explosion.

    Explore and advocate for initiatives to diversify revenue streams – currently our rates burden is almost exclusively residential rates.

    Prioritise long-term investment over short-term cheap solutions. When you value cost over quality you lose money in the long run.

  • Sensible spending of our $59 million paid in rates.

    Prudent financial management and conservative spending.

    Consistent and considered pursuit of rate arrears, fees and charges.

  • Slash council debt.

    Reduce unnecessary spending, bringing focus to investing in essential services.

    Review all council fees and charges to get the best for our residents.

  • Deliver strong governance around management of limited resources.

    Invest in key infrastructure in preparation for growth.

    Investigate rate reductions through amalgamation of Wellington region councils.

  • Involve the public in a consultation exercise around rates, fees, and spending priorities.

    Minimise borrowing as much as possible, and pay down debt where possible, in order to reduce the risk posed by rising interest rates.

    Prioritise investments in critical infrastructure and eliminate spending on vanity projects.

  • Commit to improving how effectively council reacts to significant changes in society which affect financial aspects.

    Commit to improving how effectively council communicates with ratepayers regarding financial aspects.

  • Be a strong voice for greater efficiency in council to counter the growing pressure on capital and operational expenditure cost increases.

    Advocate for rates which provide value for money.

  • Plan ahead to price costs over their full lives; invest in projects like climate resilience now to avoid future cost explosion.

    Explore and advocate for initiatives to diversify revenue streams – currently our rates burden is almost exclusively residential rates.

    Prioritise long-term investment over short-term cheap solutions. When you value cost over quality you lose money in the long run.

  • Sensible spending of our $59 million paid in rates.

    Prudent financial management and conservative spending.

    Consistent and considered pursuit of rate arrears, fees and charges.

  • Slash council debt.

    Reduce unnecessary spending, bringing focus to investing in essential services.

    Review all council fees and charges to get the best for our residents.