Hastings District Council

Hastings-Havelock North General Ward
The Hastings 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 15 councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). seven councillors will be elected from the Hastings-Havelock North 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 Hastings 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.

  • Review long-term plan yearly and make adjustments based on fact by either substitution, removal or suspending projects or developments.

    Undertake deep dive on all fiscal matters before council to ensure robust debate so that formal decisions are justified.

  • Grow revenue through smart investments in commercial property and partnerships, sharing infrastructure costs and reducing the burden on residents.

    Supercharge the earning power of council-owned assets such as Toi Toi Events Centre by increasing conferences and utilising laneways to boost income.

    Support appointing an independent Auditor General with clear parameters to boost council transparency and trust without costing us the earth.

  • Base major investments and funding decisions on reliable data and clear business cases.

    Pay down council debt to protect future generations from unnecessary financial burdens.

    Prioritise spending on core services and projects with strong, proven community benefits.

  • Explore alternative funding partnerships with central government and private sector to reduce the rates burden.

    Halt non-essential projects and nice-to-haves until debt is under control.

    Review all council fees, charges and investments to ensure fairness and affordability.

  • Maintain ownership of assets and become less dependent on ratepayers and more self-funded.

    Promote initiatives that drive tourism and pull revenue from external sources rather than from local pockets.

    Remove fees and penalties on late payments of rates or parking tickets when a payment arrangement is established.

  • Review long-term plan yearly and make adjustments based on fact by either substitution, removal or suspending projects or developments.

    Undertake deep dive on all fiscal matters before council to ensure robust debate so that formal decisions are justified.

  • Grow revenue through smart investments in commercial property and partnerships, sharing infrastructure costs and reducing the burden on residents.

    Supercharge the earning power of council-owned assets such as Toi Toi Events Centre by increasing conferences and utilising laneways to boost income.

    Support appointing an independent Auditor General with clear parameters to boost council transparency and trust without costing us the earth.

  • Base major investments and funding decisions on reliable data and clear business cases.

    Pay down council debt to protect future generations from unnecessary financial burdens.

    Prioritise spending on core services and projects with strong, proven community benefits.

  • Explore alternative funding partnerships with central government and private sector to reduce the rates burden.

    Halt non-essential projects and nice-to-haves until debt is under control.

    Review all council fees, charges and investments to ensure fairness and affordability.

  • Maintain ownership of assets and become less dependent on ratepayers and more self-funded.

    Promote initiatives that drive tourism and pull revenue from external sources rather than from local pockets.

    Remove fees and penalties on late payments of rates or parking tickets when a payment arrangement is established.