Gisborne District Council

Tairāwhiti Māori Ward
The Gisborne District Council provides local services and facilities, such as public transport, rubbish and recycling, libraries, parks, and recreation facilities. It also passes local regulations and makes decisions about infrastructure, such as water supply and sewerage, and about the region’s resources, including water, soil and the coastline. The council is made up of 13 councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). five councillors will be elected from the Tairāwhiti 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 Gisborne 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.

  • Advocate nationally to review legislation which restricts councils' ability to charge for certain activities that end up as part of rates.

    Prioritise council spending by reducing non-essential costs while funding community wellbeing and essential services responsibly.

    Reduce council costs and spending where possible, while aligning with inflation to secure long-term financial stability.

  • Advocate nationally to review legislation which restricts councils' ability to charge for certain activities that end up as part of rates.

    Prioritise council spending by reducing non-essential costs while funding community wellbeing and essential services responsibly.

    Reduce council costs and spending where possible, while aligning with inflation to secure long-term financial stability.