NZ Local Elections 2025

Waikato Regional Council

Taupō-Rotorua General Constituency
The Waikato Regional Council makes decisions about managing resources in the region, such as air, water, soil and the coastline. It also carries out plant and pest control, helps prepare for natural disasters, and is involved in regional transport. The council is made up of 14 councillors. Councillors are elected to represent constituencies (areas in the region). one councillor will be elected from the Taupō-Rotorua constituency. 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 Waikato Regional Council election.

Candidates

Policies

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Climate change and resilience

Climate change and resilience

Environment and biodiversity

Environment and biodiversity

Freshwater

Freshwater

Jobs and economy

Jobs and economy

Local democracy

Local democracy

Rates and revenue

Rates and revenue

Transport

Transport

Utilities and services

Utilities and services

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.

  • Champion ratepayer interests by guaranteeing rate rises are reasonable, well-justified and transparent.

    Manage the investment fund prudently, applying an intergenerational perspective and supporting community well-being initiatives.

    Support the audit and risk committee in delivering appropriate oversight of council's critical risk areas.

  • Advocate on behalf of the region regarding legislative changes, including RMA reform.

    Ensure council investments meet the unique needs of each community.

    Limit total rates revenue increases to a maximum of 10% for current ratepayers.

  • Champion ratepayer interests by guaranteeing rate rises are reasonable, well-justified and transparent.

    Manage the investment fund prudently, applying an intergenerational perspective and supporting community well-being initiatives.

    Support the audit and risk committee in delivering appropriate oversight of council's critical risk areas.

  • Advocate on behalf of the region regarding legislative changes, including RMA reform.

    Ensure council investments meet the unique needs of each community.

    Limit total rates revenue increases to a maximum of 10% for current ratepayers.

Climate change and resilience

Climate change and resilience

Environment and biodiversity

Environment and biodiversity

Freshwater

Freshwater

Jobs and economy

Jobs and economy

Local democracy

Local democracy

Rates and revenue

Rates and revenue

Transport

Transport

Utilities and services

Utilities and services

Mayor

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Local council

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Regional council

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Local board

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