Queenstown-Lakes District Council

Queenstown-Whakatipu Ward
The Queenstown-Lakes 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). Four councillors will be elected from the Queenstown-Whakatipu 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 Queenstown-Lakes 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.

  • The only policy I am standing on is greater openness, honesty and transparency from Queenstown-Lakes District Council.

  • Keep rates rises as low as possible, taking into account projected spending on core services and debt levels.

    Review fees for council services to ensure these are fair and able to cover costs as much as possible.

    Ensure QLDC grants are distributed effectively for the best outcomes for the widest benefit to the community.

  • Introduce better communications strategy for council spend.

    Ensure council buildings and infrastructure have least carbon impact and provide longterm needs.

    Ensure that council debt is 'within reach' as we move into more droughts and deluges, which will have massive costs.

  • Thoroughly analyse infrastructure upgrade spending, including contractor rates.

    Look for ways to decrease debt incurred over recent years of development.

    Conduct research – searching for efficient methods of replacing aged Invercargill City water supply pipes, sewerage and storm water systems.

  • Request a report on the 'peak' season infrastructure cost (financial and carbon) and affordability of Queenstown-Lakes District Council's Ten Year Plan visitor growth assumptions.

    Do what I can to ensure the next Ten Year Plan is fully carbon-'costed' and that we have a high emissions reduction option.

    Support the reassessment of all non-essential council investments, eg the Arterials, Project Manawa, and the new council building.

  • The only policy I am standing on is greater openness, honesty and transparency from Queenstown-Lakes District Council.

  • Keep rates rises as low as possible, taking into account projected spending on core services and debt levels.

    Review fees for council services to ensure these are fair and able to cover costs as much as possible.

    Ensure QLDC grants are distributed effectively for the best outcomes for the widest benefit to the community.

  • Introduce better communications strategy for council spend.

    Ensure council buildings and infrastructure have least carbon impact and provide longterm needs.

    Ensure that council debt is 'within reach' as we move into more droughts and deluges, which will have massive costs.

  • Thoroughly analyse infrastructure upgrade spending, including contractor rates.

    Look for ways to decrease debt incurred over recent years of development.

    Conduct research – searching for efficient methods of replacing aged Invercargill City water supply pipes, sewerage and storm water systems.

  • Request a report on the 'peak' season infrastructure cost (financial and carbon) and affordability of Queenstown-Lakes District Council's Ten Year Plan visitor growth assumptions.

    Do what I can to ensure the next Ten Year Plan is fully carbon-'costed' and that we have a high emissions reduction option.

    Support the reassessment of all non-essential council investments, eg the Arterials, Project Manawa, and the new council building.