Ōpōtiki District Council

Urban General Ward
The Ōpōtiki 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 six councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). two councillors will be elected from the Urban 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 Ōpōtiki 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.

  • Be mindful of keeping the balance between the self-imposed caps on general and targeted rates plus the cost of long-term debt.

    Understand and implement the best combinations of strategies to ensure the most affordable rates possible for all.

    Use a "lean, mean" budget for affordability, doing all we can to make the best decisions for us.

  • Introduce new equitable financial models that are fit for purpose, sustainable and resilient with the least impact on the community.

    Move to a more user-pays fees and charges basis including a levy on developers to fund infrastructure in new developments.

  • Be mindful of keeping the balance between the self-imposed caps on general and targeted rates plus the cost of long-term debt.

    Understand and implement the best combinations of strategies to ensure the most affordable rates possible for all.

    Use a "lean, mean" budget for affordability, doing all we can to make the best decisions for us.

  • Introduce new equitable financial models that are fit for purpose, sustainable and resilient with the least impact on the community.

    Move to a more user-pays fees and charges basis including a levy on developers to fund infrastructure in new developments.