Waimakariri District Council

Kaiapoi-Woodend Ward
The Waimakariri 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 10 councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). Four councillors will be elected from the Kaiapoi-Woodend 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 Waimakariri 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.

  • We all know long term debt is a horrible thing. This needs to be well managed to avoid handing the next generation a nightmare.

    The primary way to manage rates, fees and debt, is practical and efficient policies that are outcome driven.

  • Maintain existing policies of development and financial contributions.

    Oppose reduced development contributions to redress past injustices. This is a central government issue.

    Maintain council debt at current % levels to provide headroom for a natural disaster such as AF8. Retain AA rating from Standard and Poor.

  • No Wasteful Spending. Make sure that the ratepayer is getting good value for their contribution.

    Ensure council has sufficient headroom within its borrowing limits to endure another significant natural disaster.

  • Maintain skill levels with staff to reduce the need for consultants as much as possible.

    Make sure that development contributions meet the costs of infrastructure in new developments.

    Work towards holding rates increases to at or below the Consumer Price Index whilst maintaining the council's AA rating from Standard and Poor's.

  • Support finding new ways for council to earn income as opposed to relying so heavily on rate payers

    Support reviewing some charges and some services to reduce the burden on rate payers

    Support council staff thinking outside of the box to find ways to save money in everything they do.

  • We all know long term debt is a horrible thing. This needs to be well managed to avoid handing the next generation a nightmare.

    The primary way to manage rates, fees and debt, is practical and efficient policies that are outcome driven.

  • Maintain existing policies of development and financial contributions.

    Oppose reduced development contributions to redress past injustices. This is a central government issue.

    Maintain council debt at current % levels to provide headroom for a natural disaster such as AF8. Retain AA rating from Standard and Poor.

  • No Wasteful Spending. Make sure that the ratepayer is getting good value for their contribution.

    Ensure council has sufficient headroom within its borrowing limits to endure another significant natural disaster.

  • Maintain skill levels with staff to reduce the need for consultants as much as possible.

    Make sure that development contributions meet the costs of infrastructure in new developments.

    Work towards holding rates increases to at or below the Consumer Price Index whilst maintaining the council's AA rating from Standard and Poor's.

  • Support finding new ways for council to earn income as opposed to relying so heavily on rate payers

    Support reviewing some charges and some services to reduce the burden on rate payers

    Support council staff thinking outside of the box to find ways to save money in everything they do.