Hurunui District Council

South Ward
The Hurunui 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). four councillors will be elected from the South 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 Hurunui District Council election.

Local democracy

Local government is a foundational part of our democracy. But local democracy isn’t just about holding elections every three years – it’s about the day-to-day ways people have their say in the decisions that affect us all.

Local democracy

Local government is a foundational part of our democracy. But local democracy isn’t just about holding elections every three years – it’s about the day-to-day ways people have their say in the decisions that affect us all.

  • Address proposed new central government legislation on financial control and council focus to achieve the best result for the community.

    Encourage an open and transparent culture for council including both elected and employed members.

    Ensure that the needs and concerns of the community are heard and addressed, particularly when large amounts of debt are being considered.

  • Build cultural competency and capacity within council by embracing, appreciating and including cultural and ethnic diversity, voice and beliefs.

    Listen to, appreciate and actively represent the views of constituents and promote consultation and transparent decision making.

    Promote true resident engagement, feedback, opinion and discussion by connecting, building relationships and creating forums for this to occur.

  • End race-based policies across local government and treat every resident equally and fairly.

    Oppose voting rights for unelected iwi representatives and ensure decisions rest with elected councillors.

    Uphold free speech in council venues so lawful community groups can access them without bias.

  • Listen to and hear the voices and submissions of the Hurunui District to achieve the best possible outcomes.

    Recognise and acknowledge the many different and growing ethnic communities within the Hurunui, their cultures, contributions and desires.

  • Ensure council never forgets it works for ratepayers — it is the community's money, not the council's.

    Increase transparency by making council spending and decisions clear, open and easy for residents to access.

    Strengthen communication so residents are actively involved in shaping council priorities and outcomes.

  • Advocate for council and community discussion on local government reform and progressive relationship with central government.

    Demonstrate council support for local concerns and all the rural lifelines that provide service wrap-around for the community.

    Empower the new South Ward Community Board and its active role for local representation.

  • Engage with the public to hear their views and represent them in council settings.

    Ensure the internal makeup of council is fit for purpose and matched to deal with situations and services.

    Reduce inertia often found when dealing with local councils and streamline processes wherever possible.

  • Address proposed new central government legislation on financial control and council focus to achieve the best result for the community.

    Encourage an open and transparent culture for council including both elected and employed members.

    Ensure that the needs and concerns of the community are heard and addressed, particularly when large amounts of debt are being considered.

  • Build cultural competency and capacity within council by embracing, appreciating and including cultural and ethnic diversity, voice and beliefs.

    Listen to, appreciate and actively represent the views of constituents and promote consultation and transparent decision making.

    Promote true resident engagement, feedback, opinion and discussion by connecting, building relationships and creating forums for this to occur.

  • End race-based policies across local government and treat every resident equally and fairly.

    Oppose voting rights for unelected iwi representatives and ensure decisions rest with elected councillors.

    Uphold free speech in council venues so lawful community groups can access them without bias.

  • Listen to and hear the voices and submissions of the Hurunui District to achieve the best possible outcomes.

    Recognise and acknowledge the many different and growing ethnic communities within the Hurunui, their cultures, contributions and desires.

  • Ensure council never forgets it works for ratepayers — it is the community's money, not the council's.

    Increase transparency by making council spending and decisions clear, open and easy for residents to access.

    Strengthen communication so residents are actively involved in shaping council priorities and outcomes.

  • Advocate for council and community discussion on local government reform and progressive relationship with central government.

    Demonstrate council support for local concerns and all the rural lifelines that provide service wrap-around for the community.

    Empower the new South Ward Community Board and its active role for local representation.

  • Engage with the public to hear their views and represent them in council settings.

    Ensure the internal makeup of council is fit for purpose and matched to deal with situations and services.

    Reduce inertia often found when dealing with local councils and streamline processes wherever possible.