Mayor of Tararua

The mayor is the leader of the council. Their job is to promote a vision for the district and lead the development of the council’s plans, policies and budget. The mayor appoints the deputy mayor, establishes committees for particular topics, and appoints chairs for those committees. 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 Tararua District Council mayoral election.

Utilities and services

Councils are responsible for a wide range of utilities and services that we all rely on, from rubbish and recycling to street cleaning. Councils are currently also responsible for managing waste water, storm water and drinking water infrastructure – the ‘Three Waters’. But that may be about to change, with central government seeking to shift the delivery of Three Waters services to four new larger entities, which could borrow enough to upgrade the country’s water infrastructure.

Utilities and services

Councils are responsible for a wide range of utilities and services that we all rely on, from rubbish and recycling to street cleaning. Councils are currently also responsible for managing waste water, storm water and drinking water infrastructure – the ‘Three Waters’. But that may be about to change, with central government seeking to shift the delivery of Three Waters services to four new larger entities, which could borrow enough to upgrade the country’s water infrastructure.

  • Investigate council and local shops selling prepaid rubbish bags for standard rubbish collection and assess feasibility.

    Lobby government over fluoride where the electorate wishes and allow access to bore water for public drinking without fluoride.

    Maintain public rubbish bins in local business districts and allow new ones where needed to keep the business districts clean.

  • Ensure that water resources do not become privatised.

    Investigate the possibility of setting up a dump shop to aid recycling.

    Join and promote Keep New Zealand Beautiful's annual Cleanup event to help clean up and boost pride in the district.

  • Drive water affordability by ensuring the new water CCO focuses on efficiency to deliver more affordability into plans for water and wastewater.

    Advocate for improved cell coverage by working with Connect Tararua to benefit households and businesses across the district.

    Boost waste management efficiency by building on changes to rubbish and recycling to drive even more efficiency.

  • Ensure the council's voice and plans are prioritised within the new Wairarapa Tararua water entity with clear expectations.

    Focus expectations on affordable water service costs while increasing upgrades and compliance.

    Progress the review of waste services by exploring next steps and assessing if bringing the service in-house is a more cost-effective option.

  • Investigate council and local shops selling prepaid rubbish bags for standard rubbish collection and assess feasibility.

    Lobby government over fluoride where the electorate wishes and allow access to bore water for public drinking without fluoride.

    Maintain public rubbish bins in local business districts and allow new ones where needed to keep the business districts clean.

  • Ensure that water resources do not become privatised.

    Investigate the possibility of setting up a dump shop to aid recycling.

    Join and promote Keep New Zealand Beautiful's annual Cleanup event to help clean up and boost pride in the district.

  • Drive water affordability by ensuring the new water CCO focuses on efficiency to deliver more affordability into plans for water and wastewater.

    Advocate for improved cell coverage by working with Connect Tararua to benefit households and businesses across the district.

    Boost waste management efficiency by building on changes to rubbish and recycling to drive even more efficiency.

  • Ensure the council's voice and plans are prioritised within the new Wairarapa Tararua water entity with clear expectations.

    Focus expectations on affordable water service costs while increasing upgrades and compliance.

    Progress the review of waste services by exploring next steps and assessing if bringing the service in-house is a more cost-effective option.