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.

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.

  • Work to transition council away from wasteful infrastructure practises, eg storm water direct to open water is inefficient and polluting.

    Challenge reliance on increasing debt to fund infrastructure. Work to manage infrastructure within our community's ability to pay.

    Install conservatism in council finances. Rates are already too high. Borrowing to "invest" in the share market is inappropriate.

  • Call for no more excessive rates rises. It's too much. The funding gap model is unfair, people are already struggling.

    Introduce a clearer picture on council investments. All roads are pointing to an almighty market correction. Is council prepared?

    Investigate council debt and decide where changes could be made.

  • Ensure all investment is targeted and necessary to bring future-focused benefits to our communities.

    Implement a levy system for international travellers to fund the protection and restoration of the environment and infrastructure.

  • Introduce a new levy on high-density apartment developers to fund infrastructure.

    Ensure rates raised from Southland are spent in Southland, down to every last dime.

    A targeted rate on properties converted from pastoral use to forestry. The High Court's approval of this in Wairoa has set a great precedent.

  • Work to transition council away from wasteful infrastructure practises, eg storm water direct to open water is inefficient and polluting.

    Challenge reliance on increasing debt to fund infrastructure. Work to manage infrastructure within our community's ability to pay.

    Install conservatism in council finances. Rates are already too high. Borrowing to "invest" in the share market is inappropriate.

  • Call for no more excessive rates rises. It's too much. The funding gap model is unfair, people are already struggling.

    Introduce a clearer picture on council investments. All roads are pointing to an almighty market correction. Is council prepared?

    Investigate council debt and decide where changes could be made.

  • Ensure all investment is targeted and necessary to bring future-focused benefits to our communities.

    Implement a levy system for international travellers to fund the protection and restoration of the environment and infrastructure.

  • Introduce a new levy on high-density apartment developers to fund infrastructure.

    Ensure rates raised from Southland are spent in Southland, down to every last dime.

    A targeted rate on properties converted from pastoral use to forestry. The High Court's approval of this in Wairoa has set a great precedent.