Mayor of Whanganui

The mayor is the leader of the council. Their job is to promote a vision for the district and lead the development of the council’s plans, policies and budget. The mayor appoints the deputy mayor, establishes committees for particular topics, and appoints chairs for those committees. 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 Whanganui District Council mayoral 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.

  • Remove interest from those who are behind on their rates due to Covid-19.

    Strategically place a rates freeze into the long term plan so our community know that rates won't rise in a few years time.

    Invest well for the future to build the economic resilience of Whanganui.

  • Continue our prudent approach to rates that has seen us put out one of the lowest rates rises nationwide while also reducing council debt.

    Pressure government to compensate council for the community assets sold to reduce the wastewater treatment plant debt.

    Support the pilot academy to grow back to financial sustainability and to monitor our GasNet investment in terms of a future potential sale.

  • Fast-track and make it easier for developers to go through the resource and building consent process.

    Establish a stronger commercial lens over council operations.

    Review council revenue opportunities in addition to the current rate intake to ensure transparency in revenue streams.

  • Remove interest from those who are behind on their rates due to Covid-19.

    Strategically place a rates freeze into the long term plan so our community know that rates won't rise in a few years time.

    Invest well for the future to build the economic resilience of Whanganui.

  • Continue our prudent approach to rates that has seen us put out one of the lowest rates rises nationwide while also reducing council debt.

    Pressure government to compensate council for the community assets sold to reduce the wastewater treatment plant debt.

    Support the pilot academy to grow back to financial sustainability and to monitor our GasNet investment in terms of a future potential sale.

  • Fast-track and make it easier for developers to go through the resource and building consent process.

    Establish a stronger commercial lens over council operations.

    Review council revenue opportunities in addition to the current rate intake to ensure transparency in revenue streams.

Vote Whanganui
Vote Whanganui