Environment Southland
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.
Commit to having a 0% net debt and build reserves to improve Environment Southland’s financial position.
Continue with the council forecast for rates for the next term.
Keep the investments policy and objectives to ensure activities conform to the council's risks.
Build trust through transparency so everyone understands how rates are spent and why decisions are made.
Invest rates wisely to build thriving communities, protect the environment, and grow Southland's economy.
Unlock new opportunities by securing grants, partnerships, and sustainable funding to ease pressure on ratepayers.
Cap farm nutrient losses at safe ecological limits and allow trading only within catchments, keeping Te Mana o Te Wai and clean water first.
Cut long-term rates pressure by backing community-owned solar and batteries, putting profits into local services and resilient infrastructure.
Fund wetlands, detention bunds and river buffers with targeted catchment rates so flood protection is fair, nature-based and climate-ready.
Commit to having a 0% net debt and build reserves to improve Environment Southland’s financial position.
Continue with the council forecast for rates for the next term.
Keep the investments policy and objectives to ensure activities conform to the council's risks.
Build trust through transparency so everyone understands how rates are spent and why decisions are made.
Invest rates wisely to build thriving communities, protect the environment, and grow Southland's economy.
Unlock new opportunities by securing grants, partnerships, and sustainable funding to ease pressure on ratepayers.
Cap farm nutrient losses at safe ecological limits and allow trading only within catchments, keeping Te Mana o Te Wai and clean water first.
Cut long-term rates pressure by backing community-owned solar and batteries, putting profits into local services and resilient infrastructure.
Fund wetlands, detention bunds and river buffers with targeted catchment rates so flood protection is fair, nature-based and climate-ready.
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