Ruapehu District Council

Ruapehu General Ward
The Ruapehu 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 nine councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). Six councillors will be elected from the Ruapehu General 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 Ruapehu 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.

  • Fairer rates policy that doesn't penalise homeowners who rent out the sleep out occasionally. A fair levy on Airbnb renters.

    Greater member oversight of our financial decision making. Much less use of confidentiality.

    Discounted fees and charges for Gold Card and Community Services Card holders. Council debt to be kept at manageable levels.

  • Increase the rating population through affordable housing to retain the current rate levels per household.

  • Ensure procurement decisions are based on which bid creates the most jobs, prioritises local suppliers and has the greatest local benefit.

    Assess spending against data based social, environmental and economic indicators, ensuring our community maximum value for all ratepayers.

    Promote the establishment of an investment fund for green infrastructure and community conservation projects.

  • Fairer rates policy that doesn't penalise homeowners who rent out the sleep out occasionally. A fair levy on Airbnb renters.

    Greater member oversight of our financial decision making. Much less use of confidentiality.

    Discounted fees and charges for Gold Card and Community Services Card holders. Council debt to be kept at manageable levels.

  • Increase the rating population through affordable housing to retain the current rate levels per household.

  • Ensure procurement decisions are based on which bid creates the most jobs, prioritises local suppliers and has the greatest local benefit.

    Assess spending against data based social, environmental and economic indicators, ensuring our community maximum value for all ratepayers.

    Promote the establishment of an investment fund for green infrastructure and community conservation projects.