Wellington City Council

Motukairangi/Eastern General Ward
The Wellington City 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 15 councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the city). Three councillors will be elected from the Motukairangi/Eastern ward. This is a single transferable vote (STV) election, so you vote by ranking the candidates on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Wellington City 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.

  • Doing less with more – ensure value for money with all council spending.

    Commit to working to reduce council debt.

    Commit to stopping the constant rates rise well above rates of inflation.

  • Re-allocate funds for frivolous pet projects so that we can ensure that our city's essential needs are being met.

    Cap council debt.

    Ensure rate increases are capped and drop the extra projects if they will cost the ratepayer.

  • Spend less.

    Restructure council's ownership of buildings, housing, and pipes to create accountability, delegation, and transparency.

    Review council's investments to ascertain if returns are satisfactory and forecasts warrant retention.

  • Implement a targeted rate to discourage land banking and promote new housing.

    Participate in local government reforms and advocate for broadening of council revenue streams to reduce reliance on rates.

    Take on debt for infrastructure that improves the lives of future generations, like climate action and ecological restoration.

  • Improve and prioritise the usage of rates on projects that directly benefit the community.

    Reduce fees and charges on parking and consents.

  • Commit to stable rates rises capped at three percent pa, not massive annual changes. Use of debt funding of new assets over thirty years not ten years.

    Sell the Convention Centre for $200 million. Sell the Council encroachment land back to the users raises $100 million. Examine exiting marinas.

    Introduce development levies for rezoned spatial land. Regional insurance management to stop double paying for the same assets as regional council does.

  • Take firm steps to reduce to the city's debt.

    Look at new ways to attract funding for projects through central government funding, joint ventures, sponsorship or other means.

    Ensure rates are kept to a reasonable level and that money is not wasted. Explore different ways to achieve the same goals.

  • Build our rating base by encouraging businesses to establish themselves in Wellington with world class housing and transport.

    Secure government fund for businesses disrupted by construction of major transport and infrastructure projects, including light rail.

    Secure government Income Related Rents Subsidy for all social housing, taking pressure off tenants and council.

  • Review our rating policy to ensure rates are being applied fairly.

    Review the investment portfolio and consider whether divestment of some assets is appropriate to allow investment in other areas.

    Continue to look for opportunities to work more efficiently and reduce costs.

  • Doing less with more – ensure value for money with all council spending.

    Commit to working to reduce council debt.

    Commit to stopping the constant rates rise well above rates of inflation.

  • Re-allocate funds for frivolous pet projects so that we can ensure that our city's essential needs are being met.

    Cap council debt.

    Ensure rate increases are capped and drop the extra projects if they will cost the ratepayer.

  • Spend less.

    Restructure council's ownership of buildings, housing, and pipes to create accountability, delegation, and transparency.

    Review council's investments to ascertain if returns are satisfactory and forecasts warrant retention.

  • Implement a targeted rate to discourage land banking and promote new housing.

    Participate in local government reforms and advocate for broadening of council revenue streams to reduce reliance on rates.

    Take on debt for infrastructure that improves the lives of future generations, like climate action and ecological restoration.

  • Improve and prioritise the usage of rates on projects that directly benefit the community.

    Reduce fees and charges on parking and consents.

  • Commit to stable rates rises capped at three percent pa, not massive annual changes. Use of debt funding of new assets over thirty years not ten years.

    Sell the Convention Centre for $200 million. Sell the Council encroachment land back to the users raises $100 million. Examine exiting marinas.

    Introduce development levies for rezoned spatial land. Regional insurance management to stop double paying for the same assets as regional council does.

  • Take firm steps to reduce to the city's debt.

    Look at new ways to attract funding for projects through central government funding, joint ventures, sponsorship or other means.

    Ensure rates are kept to a reasonable level and that money is not wasted. Explore different ways to achieve the same goals.

  • Build our rating base by encouraging businesses to establish themselves in Wellington with world class housing and transport.

    Secure government fund for businesses disrupted by construction of major transport and infrastructure projects, including light rail.

    Secure government Income Related Rents Subsidy for all social housing, taking pressure off tenants and council.

  • Review our rating policy to ensure rates are being applied fairly.

    Review the investment portfolio and consider whether divestment of some assets is appropriate to allow investment in other areas.

    Continue to look for opportunities to work more efficiently and reduce costs.