Push central government to financially back requirements and mandates required of councils that are central government policies or settlements of government.
Policies
Compare the parties’ positions on the key issues this election. Explore their policies and see how closely they align with your own views and priorities.
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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.
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Maintain and further enhance Waikato Regional Council as a leader in financial performance. Very good is just a step to excellence.
Seek better financial instruments from government as funding councils mostly from rates has no long term sustainability. We must be smarter.
Strive to ensure ratepayers are getting good value for money, and ensure that rate rises are justified, defendable and transparent.
Ensure the independently chaired audit and risk committee has appropriate oversight and governance of critical risk areas of council business.
Utilise our investment fund wisely, taking an intergenerational approach, and directing returns towards community well-being type projects.
I will not support rates increases.
End reckless spending. Waikato Regional Council has just, secretly, spent $20 million dollars on a tech upgrade, 15 years to pay off.
Get regional council back to core business, and stop spending ratepayers money like drunken sailors.
Ensure that the best outcomes are achieved for the ratepayers with no frivolous spending.
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