Buller District Council

Westport Ward
The Buller 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 ten councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). six councillors will be elected from the Westport 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 Buller 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.

  • Accept that the current property rating system for local authorities in NZ is no longer fit for purpose.

    Accept that the current system for apportioning rates in Buller is deeply flawed and unfair and bring the rates review to a conclusion.

    Work within LGNZ to promote a long-term sustainable funding system for local government.

  • Maintain community facilities if they meet an affordability and well-being review.

    Reduce expenditure on external consultants and contractors and empower volunteers and self-help programs.

    Support a rates cap for the next three years and work to reduce commercial retail rates to improve business affordability.

  • Monitor council debt and balance this with rates charged to ensure that the council can deliver essential infrastructure.

    Monitor financial management within council to ensure that proper controls are in place to meet legal requirements.

    Review fees and charges to ensure that these charges truly meet the cost of providing the services.

  • Investigate more innovative ways to grow the community and reduce fees and charges.

    Review the rating system completely, as the basis for setting boundaries and rates has not been reviewed recently.

  • Accept that the current property rating system for local authorities in NZ is no longer fit for purpose.

    Accept that the current system for apportioning rates in Buller is deeply flawed and unfair and bring the rates review to a conclusion.

    Work within LGNZ to promote a long-term sustainable funding system for local government.

  • Maintain community facilities if they meet an affordability and well-being review.

    Reduce expenditure on external consultants and contractors and empower volunteers and self-help programs.

    Support a rates cap for the next three years and work to reduce commercial retail rates to improve business affordability.

  • Monitor council debt and balance this with rates charged to ensure that the council can deliver essential infrastructure.

    Monitor financial management within council to ensure that proper controls are in place to meet legal requirements.

    Review fees and charges to ensure that these charges truly meet the cost of providing the services.

  • Investigate more innovative ways to grow the community and reduce fees and charges.

    Review the rating system completely, as the basis for setting boundaries and rates has not been reviewed recently.