Christchurch City Council

Riccarton Ward
The Christchurch City 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 16 councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the city). one councillor will be elected from the Riccarton 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 Christchurch City 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.

  • Protect and invest in strategic assets that deliver long-term value rather than selling off what future generations will need.

    Audit and repurpose under-used council land and buildings to generate fair leasing income and community benefit.

    Redirect council investment into preventative solutions that address root causes and reduce future costs, avoiding repeated short-term fixes.

  • Encourage private investment and expertise to help council-owned businesses perform better.

    Oppose the sale of strategically important council-owned assets.

    Reduce rates increases.

  • Protect and invest in strategic assets that deliver long-term value rather than selling off what future generations will need.

    Audit and repurpose under-used council land and buildings to generate fair leasing income and community benefit.

    Redirect council investment into preventative solutions that address root causes and reduce future costs, avoiding repeated short-term fixes.

  • Encourage private investment and expertise to help council-owned businesses perform better.

    Oppose the sale of strategically important council-owned assets.

    Reduce rates increases.