Whangārei District Council

Work strenuously to keep rates increases below inflation by contributions from new activities to the district.

Explore best practice around the world and trial some successful innovative models – bring creative cost-effective solutions.

Innovative debt-reduction/income generation schemes – whilst maintaining excellent levels-of-service. He tangata. He tangata.

Maintain reasonable levels of rates.

Review levels of debt in relation to recent and proposed changes in local government.

Invest in expansion of pensioner housing.

Revise the council's department to come up with ideas on how we can have better control over our council's finances.

Rethink our financial management so we can put our money towards things that matter.

Rethink our rate cost to make it more desirable for development of houses and businesses.

Reduce council debt, which is spiralling.

Hold rates at an affordable level.

Hold council debt to a reasonable level.

Review commercial rates, fees and charges.

Ensure council has a competent finance committee.

Be more transparent and accountable around council spending and set up a financial team who will keep a check on spending.

Set up a plan to pay back some of the council debt, stop spending on feel-good projects and start spending on infrastructure that needs doing.

Stop rates increases for a two-year period to give something back to ratepayers and be open about what council is spending their money on.

Financial management. Introduce a financial budget and guidelines as a profit bonus interest gain system. Released as an on-time bonus.

Fees and charges. Business owners reward incentives long stay lease on-premises or parking packages. So long-term income flow for council.

Council investments. Keep present investments of land and buildings, ownership under council on both the residents, charge fee per event.

Support exploring new levels of dog fees as we all benefit from the services available, and responsible owners carry the burden.

Develop a rate for which permanent vehicle dwellers may contribute to the district to support a space and improved facilities.

Support equitable rates levels to ensure ability to pay the charge to ensure service levels are provided and improved.

Apply new innovative uses of technology and investments to create more income streams and lessen the burden on ratepayers.

Manage council debt appropriately so that the debt is working to grow the investment profile of our district and pay itself off.

Investigate the need to have a financial standing committee to assist councillors in financial management and planning in bigger projects.