Mayor of Southland
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.
Ensure an appropriate amount of user pays and a fair distribution of costs between services and users.
Ensure debt is only used for appropriate capital projects which have been prudently costed and appropriately scrutinised.
Ensure development contributions can be defined for each individual community board area if that is what the community desires.
Implement strategies through the CEO to reduce council's debt. SDC debt at 30 June 2025 is $91,575,000. The interest on debt is paid by ratepayers.
Reduce rates by cutting costs. Consultant costs from 1 March 2024 to 28 February 2025 totalled $2,915,425.75 (GST exclusive).
Remove council fees for a property file request when it is your own property in the Southland District Council area.
Ensure an appropriate amount of user pays and a fair distribution of costs between services and users.
Ensure debt is only used for appropriate capital projects which have been prudently costed and appropriately scrutinised.
Ensure development contributions can be defined for each individual community board area if that is what the community desires.
Implement strategies through the CEO to reduce council's debt. SDC debt at 30 June 2025 is $91,575,000. The interest on debt is paid by ratepayers.
Reduce rates by cutting costs. Consultant costs from 1 March 2024 to 28 February 2025 totalled $2,915,425.75 (GST exclusive).
Remove council fees for a property file request when it is your own property in the Southland District Council area.
Mayor
Compare the mayoral candidates in your area
Local council
Compare the candidates for your city or district council
Regional council
Compare the candidates for your regional council
Local board
Compare the candidates for your local or community board