Waimakariri District Council

Kaiapoi-Woodend Ward
The Waimakariri 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 ten councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). four councillors will be elected from the Kaiapoi-Woodend 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 Waimakariri District Council election.

Local democracy

Local government is a foundational part of our democracy. But local democracy isn’t just about holding elections every three years – it’s about the day-to-day ways people have their say in the decisions that affect us all.

Local democracy

Local government is a foundational part of our democracy. But local democracy isn’t just about holding elections every three years – it’s about the day-to-day ways people have their say in the decisions that affect us all.

  • Listen and talk with the community and then ensure the outcome or information flows back to them as communication is two way.

    Tailor consultations so communication is more open and accessible to make it easy for people to participate and share their views.

    Use forums or events to engage with specific groups such as youth and business owners.

  • Oppose undemocratic reforms and appointment of unelected members based on Tiriti, oppose separatism and seek an inclusive community.

    Support a Mahi Tahi approach with local iwi (Ngāi Tahu) and improve communication, consultation and engagement.

    Support chief executive to improve staff retention and reduce turnover to under 10 percent, continue resident satisfaction surveys and improve engagement.

  • Ensure the community's voice is strongly heard within public consultation processes including elderly and disabled residents.

    Ensure the growing hub of Woodend, Ravenswood, Pegasus and Waikuku has a voice around the table alongside the long-established centres.

    Ensure youth have a say in their future.

  • Adopt a 'nothing about us, without us' approach to decision-making so that policy solutions are community-led and have equitable outcomes.

    Broker more collaborations and partnerships for projects with mana whenua, community groups, businesses and local research institutions.

    Provide Te Tiriti training for all councillors and council staff including specific information on historical grievances in the local area.

  • Boost efficiency by reviewing internal operations without cutting essential services.

    Commit to genuine community consultation before any major spending decisions.

    Engage with open transparency by making the council processes and data easier to access.

  • Support a welcoming communities programme that helps newcomers feel included and have a sense of belonging in their new community.

    Support drop-in sessions about important issues, like policy changes, and continue them despite at times low attendance.

    Support regular surveys, including recent resident survey showing council satisfaction at 93%. Let's Talk surveys are important to get community input.

  • End race-based policies across local government and treat every resident equally and fairly.

    Oppose voting rights for unelected iwi representatives and ensure decisions rest with elected councillors.

    Uphold free speech in council venues so lawful community groups can access them without bias.

  • Listen and talk with the community and then ensure the outcome or information flows back to them as communication is two way.

    Tailor consultations so communication is more open and accessible to make it easy for people to participate and share their views.

    Use forums or events to engage with specific groups such as youth and business owners.

  • Oppose undemocratic reforms and appointment of unelected members based on Tiriti, oppose separatism and seek an inclusive community.

    Support a Mahi Tahi approach with local iwi (Ngāi Tahu) and improve communication, consultation and engagement.

    Support chief executive to improve staff retention and reduce turnover to under 10 percent, continue resident satisfaction surveys and improve engagement.

  • Ensure the community's voice is strongly heard within public consultation processes including elderly and disabled residents.

    Ensure the growing hub of Woodend, Ravenswood, Pegasus and Waikuku has a voice around the table alongside the long-established centres.

    Ensure youth have a say in their future.

  • Adopt a 'nothing about us, without us' approach to decision-making so that policy solutions are community-led and have equitable outcomes.

    Broker more collaborations and partnerships for projects with mana whenua, community groups, businesses and local research institutions.

    Provide Te Tiriti training for all councillors and council staff including specific information on historical grievances in the local area.

  • Boost efficiency by reviewing internal operations without cutting essential services.

    Commit to genuine community consultation before any major spending decisions.

    Engage with open transparency by making the council processes and data easier to access.

  • Support a welcoming communities programme that helps newcomers feel included and have a sense of belonging in their new community.

    Support drop-in sessions about important issues, like policy changes, and continue them despite at times low attendance.

    Support regular surveys, including recent resident survey showing council satisfaction at 93%. Let's Talk surveys are important to get community input.

  • End race-based policies across local government and treat every resident equally and fairly.

    Oppose voting rights for unelected iwi representatives and ensure decisions rest with elected councillors.

    Uphold free speech in council venues so lawful community groups can access them without bias.