Mayor of Rotorua

The mayor is the leader of the council. Their job is to promote a vision for the district and lead the development of the council’s plans, policies and budget. The mayor appoints the deputy mayor, establishes committees for particular topics, and appoints chairs for those committees. 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 Rotorua District Council mayoral 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.

  • Review finances, debt, and planned expenditures. Pause on future spending projects essential. Require accountability on projects.

    Ensure higher priority is given to maintenance of our assets, and buildings. Postponing is a negative action, its costs the taxpayers.

    Review rate increase during a time of inflation whereby residents are financially squeezed. Require council to meet and not exceed budget.

  • As the organisation grows so does its commitment to deliver on its Long Term Plan. The cost has to be compressed by prudent management and executed.

    The council has a responsibility to its ratepayers of a debt management/reduction plan. As an organisation it cannot be irresponsible.

    It's undeniable that due to the inflationary pressures that some fees and charges need to be kept up to avoid the burden on the organisation.

  • Ensure that we have smart investment into our community, investment that has ongoing benefits.

    Support growth that will increase investment in our city and grow the rates base.

    Ensure that when investing in projects we have the right partnerships and relationships in place to spread the cost.

  • Cut any wasteful spending by reprioritising council projects to better serve the current needs of Rotorua and what ratepayers can afford.

    Better transparency of spending and decisions to ensure rates are being spent wisely. And improved community consultation on big ticket items.

    Support projects that have positive long term benefits for our community, economy and environment.

  • Reduce debt. Create an long-term plan that clearly shows debt reduction over time.

    Seek to lower the annual operational budget.

    Introduce the developer contribution levy. Fair and transparent that allows developers to make decisions at the start of the project.

  • Review financial management and check where council can cut back on spending and ensure all future spending is being conducted more wisely.

    Set a plan of action to reduce council debt that is not going to land at the feet of the ratepayer. Wise money management and a solid plan.

  • Minimise rates rises and increasing fees and charges by cutting costs and spending.

    Focus on improving the quality of essential services and maintenance.

    Retire debt and reduce new borrowings.

  • Review finances, debt, and planned expenditures. Pause on future spending projects essential. Require accountability on projects.

    Ensure higher priority is given to maintenance of our assets, and buildings. Postponing is a negative action, its costs the taxpayers.

    Review rate increase during a time of inflation whereby residents are financially squeezed. Require council to meet and not exceed budget.

  • As the organisation grows so does its commitment to deliver on its Long Term Plan. The cost has to be compressed by prudent management and executed.

    The council has a responsibility to its ratepayers of a debt management/reduction plan. As an organisation it cannot be irresponsible.

    It's undeniable that due to the inflationary pressures that some fees and charges need to be kept up to avoid the burden on the organisation.

  • Ensure that we have smart investment into our community, investment that has ongoing benefits.

    Support growth that will increase investment in our city and grow the rates base.

    Ensure that when investing in projects we have the right partnerships and relationships in place to spread the cost.

  • Cut any wasteful spending by reprioritising council projects to better serve the current needs of Rotorua and what ratepayers can afford.

    Better transparency of spending and decisions to ensure rates are being spent wisely. And improved community consultation on big ticket items.

    Support projects that have positive long term benefits for our community, economy and environment.

  • Reduce debt. Create an long-term plan that clearly shows debt reduction over time.

    Seek to lower the annual operational budget.

    Introduce the developer contribution levy. Fair and transparent that allows developers to make decisions at the start of the project.

  • Review financial management and check where council can cut back on spending and ensure all future spending is being conducted more wisely.

    Set a plan of action to reduce council debt that is not going to land at the feet of the ratepayer. Wise money management and a solid plan.

  • Minimise rates rises and increasing fees and charges by cutting costs and spending.

    Focus on improving the quality of essential services and maintenance.

    Retire debt and reduce new borrowings.