Tasman District Council

Motueka General Ward
The Tasman District Council provides local services and facilities, such as public transport, rubbish and recycling, libraries, parks, and recreation facilities. It also passes local regulations and makes decisions about infrastructure, such as water supply and sewerage, and about the region’s resources, including water, soil and the coastline. The council is made up of 14 councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). three councillors will be elected from the Motueka 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 Tasman 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.

  • Adopt an invest to save mentality where prioritise investments reduce future operating cost, such as solar panels.

    Consider strategic business investments to generate revenue while supporting the local economy.

    Review whether development contributions are currently sufficient to cover council's ongoing infrastructure cost in new subdivisions.

  • Cut wasteful spending and focus on core functions so rates are affordable and sustainable.

    Ensure every dollar ratepayers pay is wisely spent with full cost-benefit analysis.

    Go through the books and accounts line by line and cut non-core expenditure and wastage.

  • Adopt an invest to save mentality where prioritise investments reduce future operating cost, such as solar panels.

    Consider strategic business investments to generate revenue while supporting the local economy.

    Review whether development contributions are currently sufficient to cover council's ongoing infrastructure cost in new subdivisions.

  • Cut wasteful spending and focus on core functions so rates are affordable and sustainable.

    Ensure every dollar ratepayers pay is wisely spent with full cost-benefit analysis.

    Go through the books and accounts line by line and cut non-core expenditure and wastage.