Southland District Council

Mararoa Waimea Ward
The Southland 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 12 councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). Three councillors will be elected from the Mararoa Waimea 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 Southland District Council election.

Utilities and services

Councils are responsible for a wide range of utilities and services that we all rely on, from rubbish and recycling to street cleaning. Councils are currently also responsible for managing waste water, storm water and drinking water infrastructure – the ‘Three Waters’. But that may be about to change, with central government seeking to shift the delivery of Three Waters services to four new larger entities, which could borrow enough to upgrade the country’s water infrastructure.

Utilities and services

Councils are responsible for a wide range of utilities and services that we all rely on, from rubbish and recycling to street cleaning. Councils are currently also responsible for managing waste water, storm water and drinking water infrastructure – the ‘Three Waters’. But that may be about to change, with central government seeking to shift the delivery of Three Waters services to four new larger entities, which could borrow enough to upgrade the country’s water infrastructure.

  • Continue to push back on the Three Waters reform so that it can be paused and reworked to focus on better outcomes for Southland.

    Ensure that aiming for consistency in services doesn't override the ability for communities to have bespoke levels of service for facilities.

    Ensure there is the right balance between user pays and ratepayer subsidised services.

  • Use visionary thinking to identify how we want each centre to function, and the services required to build the vision.

    Evaluate the way drinking water is treated, and seek 'alternative consultation' on how to offer the healthiest possible drinking water.

    Work more closely with schools, companies and organisations to deliberately sort rubbish for innovative recycling and localised reuse.

  • Review how the district handles rubbish and recycling. We should be doing better at increasing what we recycle to reduce greenhouse gases.

    Keep up to date on the Three Waters discussions and ensure that timely communication reaches Southlanders so they are well informed.

  • Incentivise ratepayers to recycle wisely and pay less by measuring rubbish disposal habits and encourage problem solving waste management.

    Reemphasise how important it is for Southland to take control of their water assets and not allow government to take responsibility.

    Regarding dog licensing. Remind people that owning a dog is great but ask why you have it. How much is it costing and is it fit for purpose.

  • Call for pause on Three Waters Reform and engage the community on desired outcomes.

    Support stormwater catchment upgrade in Lumsden, set for investigation.

  • Continue to push back on the Three Waters reform so that it can be paused and reworked to focus on better outcomes for Southland.

    Ensure that aiming for consistency in services doesn't override the ability for communities to have bespoke levels of service for facilities.

    Ensure there is the right balance between user pays and ratepayer subsidised services.

  • Use visionary thinking to identify how we want each centre to function, and the services required to build the vision.

    Evaluate the way drinking water is treated, and seek 'alternative consultation' on how to offer the healthiest possible drinking water.

    Work more closely with schools, companies and organisations to deliberately sort rubbish for innovative recycling and localised reuse.

  • Review how the district handles rubbish and recycling. We should be doing better at increasing what we recycle to reduce greenhouse gases.

    Keep up to date on the Three Waters discussions and ensure that timely communication reaches Southlanders so they are well informed.

  • Incentivise ratepayers to recycle wisely and pay less by measuring rubbish disposal habits and encourage problem solving waste management.

    Reemphasise how important it is for Southland to take control of their water assets and not allow government to take responsibility.

    Regarding dog licensing. Remind people that owning a dog is great but ask why you have it. How much is it costing and is it fit for purpose.

  • Call for pause on Three Waters Reform and engage the community on desired outcomes.

    Support stormwater catchment upgrade in Lumsden, set for investigation.