Policies

Compare the parties’ positions on the key issues this election. Explore their policies and see how closely they align with your own views and priorities.

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Utilities and services

Councils are responsible for a wide range of utilities and services that we all rely on, from rubbish and recycling to street cleaning. Councils are currently also responsible for managing waste water, storm water and drinking water infrastructure – the ‘Three Waters’. But that may be about to change, with central government seeking to shift the delivery of Three Waters services to four new larger entities, which could borrow enough to upgrade the country’s water infrastructure.

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  • Increase catchpit cleaning, street sweeping and keep channels clear to help prevent flooding in rain events.

  • Increase dog control officers and empower them to take more cases to prosecution and ensure registration fees comply with the Dog Control Act.

  • Oppose reducing rubbish collections to fortnightly and instead support street soft plastics collection, Green Dot and boost recycling centres.

  • Conduct due diligence on management and operating systems of Three Waters to ensure safe, clean supply of water, wastewater and sewage drainage.

  • Ensure rubbish and recycling contracts are properly awarded via open tender for cost-effective delivery of services and that staff are well trained.

  • Protect residents via dog patrol and other appropriate measures to ensure safety in parks and public spaces for recreation.

  • Invest in water and wastewater infrastructure, not vanity projects or political distractions.

  • Oppose cuts to bin collection frequency as reliable rubbish and recycling are basic services.

  • Streamline consents and dog registration to reduce delays, costs and fees for residents.

  • Increase the number of animal control compliance officers to raise awareness of the importance of registering and de-sexing dogs.

  • Return rubbish bins to local parks to help keep beautiful open spaces pristine.

  • Speed up investment in water infrastructure, including drinking, waste and stormwater, to keep pace with community expectations and a growing Shore.

Get across the policies, candidates and parties

Don’t know who to vote for? Policy.nz is the complete guide to the 2025 local elections. Compare the candidates and policies to see where you stand.

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