Far North District Council

Bay of Islands-Whangaroa General Ward
The Far North 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). three councillors will be elected from the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa ward. This is a single transferable vote (STV) election, so you vote by ranking the candidates on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Far North District Council election.

Housing and planning

Local councils are responsible for land use planning under the Resource Management Act, which affects where and how new houses are constructed, as well as the design of cities and towns. In some areas, councils also provide housing to those who need it most.

Housing and planning

Local councils are responsible for land use planning under the Resource Management Act, which affects where and how new houses are constructed, as well as the design of cities and towns. In some areas, councils also provide housing to those who need it most.

  • Fund and operationalise the recently adopted Kerikeri Waipapa spatial plan.

    Lead significant reform in thermal rating and glazing to reduce the cost of new builds and establish a special Northland zone.

    Prioritise RMA reform and ongoing Building Act reform to address housing affordability.

  • Advocate for modernising the RMA that supports property rights while protecting the environment and heritage.

    Deliver the Far North housing strategy with an implementation plan to grow supply, affordability and quality.

    Grow council pensioner housing by divesting or partnering to increase stock and support the most vulnerable residents.

  • Ensure that infrastructure can adequately cope with increased demand caused by population growth, focusing on affordability as a key to growth.

    Review council housing policy so those genuinely in hardship are given the opportunity to live in housing that is safe and healthy.

    Upgrade footpaths and street lighting in poorly serviced areas to create safer environments for users.

  • Allow residents to build and enjoy their land without interference or costly delays from council.

    Cut red tape to make building homes faster, cheaper and free from endless council bureaucracy.

    Ensure zoning rules and infrastructure provide enough housing to meet demand without pushing up rates.

  • Improve the consent process to increase and decrease capacity when demand requires it.

    Create district-wide spatial planning documents to contribute to growth planning and infrastructure decision making.

  • Fund and operationalise the recently adopted Kerikeri Waipapa spatial plan.

    Lead significant reform in thermal rating and glazing to reduce the cost of new builds and establish a special Northland zone.

    Prioritise RMA reform and ongoing Building Act reform to address housing affordability.

  • Advocate for modernising the RMA that supports property rights while protecting the environment and heritage.

    Deliver the Far North housing strategy with an implementation plan to grow supply, affordability and quality.

    Grow council pensioner housing by divesting or partnering to increase stock and support the most vulnerable residents.

  • Ensure that infrastructure can adequately cope with increased demand caused by population growth, focusing on affordability as a key to growth.

    Review council housing policy so those genuinely in hardship are given the opportunity to live in housing that is safe and healthy.

    Upgrade footpaths and street lighting in poorly serviced areas to create safer environments for users.

  • Allow residents to build and enjoy their land without interference or costly delays from council.

    Cut red tape to make building homes faster, cheaper and free from endless council bureaucracy.

    Ensure zoning rules and infrastructure provide enough housing to meet demand without pushing up rates.

  • Improve the consent process to increase and decrease capacity when demand requires it.

    Create district-wide spatial planning documents to contribute to growth planning and infrastructure decision making.