Mayor of Invercargill

Cap council debt at sustainable levels and publish quarterly spending transparency reports.

Freeze residential rates for low-income households and shift more cost recovery to commercial users.

Introduce developer levies to fund new roads and pipes instead of loading costs on existing ratepayers, like the clock tower $2 million Distinction hotel.

Focus spending on essential services to keep rates affordable and ensure all critical infrastructure is a priority.

Seek regional or public-private partnerships and external funding before increasing rates or debt, as it is not sustainable to continue burdening the ratepayer.

Work with the team to review council operations and reduce costs through efficiency without cutting core services.

Allow no new building projects other than infrastructure.

Set hard targets for improvements in council efficiency and costs including 50% reduction in the use of consultants.

Support the signalled government policy of rates capping or implement this ourselves.

Address seniors’ main concern of being unable to pay rent and exposed to harsh cold by rewarding their years of contribution with fixed rates and free hot water.

Use money to facilitate transactions and reduce fees and charges which hinder this while rewarding good behaviour to reduce naughty behaviour.

Value customer service staff as frontline soldiers interfacing directly with community and mention Roh Man (Roman) charged per pee as a smart jar concept.

Look for future opportunities to fund projects through a mixed funding model and lobby government to return funds for this.

Make every dollar count, spend within means and keep rates affordable by making trade-offs and pushing projects out.

Prioritise core infrastructure needs for the city before vanity projects and implement no new project spending for the next three years.