South Wairarapa District Council

Martinborough Ward
The South Wairarapa 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). Three councillors will be elected from the Martinborough 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 South Wairarapa 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.

  • Make sure that published rates figures are adhered to.

  • Ensure that the council keep costs down by ensuring efficiencies are introduced such as by sharing services when possible.

    Ensure the level of rates redress, rebates, postponements and remissions, is high enough to bring relief to struggling rate payers.

  • Make sure that published rates figures are adhered to.

  • Ensure that the council keep costs down by ensuring efficiencies are introduced such as by sharing services when possible.

    Ensure the level of rates redress, rebates, postponements and remissions, is high enough to bring relief to struggling rate payers.