Mayor of South Wairarapa

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 South Wairarapa 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.

  • Require the council to live within its means. No more vanity projects or $12,000 BBQs. No more huge rate increases.

    Aim to reduce the rates burden to closer to the promised 14% increase rather than the 30% increase it turned into.

    Review all fees and special rates to make sure that affected residents are getting what they pay for.

  • Provide governance with detailed information on all projects including but not limited to timeline and all costs.

  • Complete a line by line review of the budget, and confirm or re-prioritise projects to ensure priority fits with level of community benefit.

    Complete the rating review with a clear analysis of options and implications for a meaningful community engagement and debate.

    Implement more project management disciplines and regular project reporting for all projects and service areas.

  • Require the council to live within its means. No more vanity projects or $12,000 BBQs. No more huge rate increases.

    Aim to reduce the rates burden to closer to the promised 14% increase rather than the 30% increase it turned into.

    Review all fees and special rates to make sure that affected residents are getting what they pay for.

  • Provide governance with detailed information on all projects including but not limited to timeline and all costs.

  • Complete a line by line review of the budget, and confirm or re-prioritise projects to ensure priority fits with level of community benefit.

    Complete the rating review with a clear analysis of options and implications for a meaningful community engagement and debate.

    Implement more project management disciplines and regular project reporting for all projects and service areas.