Southland District Council

Waiau Aparima 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 Waiau Aparima 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.

Local democracy

Local government is a foundational part of our democracy. But local democracy isn’t just about holding elections every three years – it’s about the day-to-day ways people have their say in the decisions that affect us all.

Local democracy

Local government is a foundational part of our democracy. But local democracy isn’t just about holding elections every three years – it’s about the day-to-day ways people have their say in the decisions that affect us all.

  • Progress toward greater social and community inclusion and involve impacted communities directly in decision-making.

    Show future-focused leadership which makes the needs of young people and future generations central.

    Uphold Tiriti o Waitangi.

  • Consult all residents' views before deciding on radical changes to local council representation.

    Ensure local council representation reflects the voice of the people.

    Consolidate council services where efficiencies and effectiveness can be kept or improved.

  • Support work to strengthen powers and autonomy of community boards to affect change in their communities.

    Encourage equality across all aspects of our community. If a group is under-represented, encourage participation through democracy.

    Support a reduction in the number of councils across Southland. There are currently too many councils for the size of the population.

  • Encourage public engagement. Every council in New Zealand needs to work on their communication. Let's make it better, not more complicated.

    Support Māori representation and engagement. The region is so rich with diverse history, let's offer to help tell that story.

    Inform of changes coming to local government. Offer the correct information, and answer all questions.

  • Work towards genuine dialogue between council and community. There needs to be better messaging around engagements and consultations.

    Ensure council exemplifies transparency and highest standards of ethics as stewards of public assets.

  • Progress toward greater social and community inclusion and involve impacted communities directly in decision-making.

    Show future-focused leadership which makes the needs of young people and future generations central.

    Uphold Tiriti o Waitangi.

  • Consult all residents' views before deciding on radical changes to local council representation.

    Ensure local council representation reflects the voice of the people.

    Consolidate council services where efficiencies and effectiveness can be kept or improved.

  • Support work to strengthen powers and autonomy of community boards to affect change in their communities.

    Encourage equality across all aspects of our community. If a group is under-represented, encourage participation through democracy.

    Support a reduction in the number of councils across Southland. There are currently too many councils for the size of the population.

  • Encourage public engagement. Every council in New Zealand needs to work on their communication. Let's make it better, not more complicated.

    Support Māori representation and engagement. The region is so rich with diverse history, let's offer to help tell that story.

    Inform of changes coming to local government. Offer the correct information, and answer all questions.

  • Work towards genuine dialogue between council and community. There needs to be better messaging around engagements and consultations.

    Ensure council exemplifies transparency and highest standards of ethics as stewards of public assets.