Ashburton District Council

Ashburton Ward
The Ashburton 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 nine councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). five councillors will be elected from the Ashburton 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 Ashburton 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.

  • Explore a levy on large chain businesses to go to local activity or project of their choice.

    Explore different food licence fees for local cafes and restaurants.

  • Focus spending on projects that deliver sustainable, valuable assets to our community.

    Keep rates sustainable so our community can meet household costs without losing vital community services.

    Seek external funding and strategic partnerships where possible to ease the burden on ratepayers.

  • Explore a levy on large chain businesses to go to local activity or project of their choice.

    Explore different food licence fees for local cafes and restaurants.

  • Focus spending on projects that deliver sustainable, valuable assets to our community.

    Keep rates sustainable so our community can meet household costs without losing vital community services.

    Seek external funding and strategic partnerships where possible to ease the burden on ratepayers.