Policies

Begin reducing consultants and head count at the council as the recovery progresses with an eye on value for every rates dollar.

Support community efforts to boost economic growth with close eye on sustainability and infrastructure needs.

Support Gisborne Holdings Ltd in its strategy to pay higher dividends to council and become a key regional investment partner.

Introduce a biodiversity levy on planting consents for forestry that contribute to mitigations such as deer control and freshwater.

Introduce a levy on logging trucks per load that will directly support the cost of maintaining the roads.

Ensure fees and charges cover the cost of the activity as user pays.

Keep council borrowing to a minimum so debt is not left for next generations.

Keep rates increases under 5 percent once the recovery rises have been accounted for in 2026.

Edit rates in the long term plan to decrease urban and rural housing rates and increase agriculture and dairy rates.

Introduce a higher levy on off-shore forestry companies to repair roading and water infrastructure and explore re-establishing the railway network.

Re-examine Gisborne Holdings Ltd investments and re-align relevant investment opportunities.

Review all areas of spending to ascertain value for money.

Cap unsustainable rates increases.

Do not increase debt to fund operations and maintenance.

Push Trust Tairāwhiti to invest in place-making and community building today to catalyse riches tomorrow.

Use coordinated lobbying and public campaigns to pressure central government into meaningful financial support.