Keep charges, fees and development contributions affordable and in balance with the community's expectations.
Policies
Compare the parties’ positions on the key issues this election. Explore their policies and see how closely they align with your own views and priorities.
Choose a topic to compare
Start by selecting a broad policy topic that you’re interested in exploring.
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.
Choose an area to explore and policies
Narrow your selection by choosing a specific area within your chosen topic. Select the policies you want to explore, pick your favourites and view your results when you’re ready.
Use this toggle to hide/show party names and focus on the policy positions
Keep rate increases in line with inflation with prudent council spending, achieving cost efficiencies and stable financial management.
Make council accountability insist on a fair process when dealing with council and ensure good value from rates.
Deliver a nil rates increase in 2027/28 as a reset, then limit rises to inflation.
Manage debt responsibly to keep future ratepayer costs under control.
Review all spending to focus on needs, not wants, and cut waste.
Launch 'Ratesplain' so council and council organisations promote the impact on initiatives from rates in all communications and web pages.
Promote an accurate picture of rates and what things cost, keep making causes and options transparent, repeating the earlier consultation.
Carefully balance fully funded services, eg libraries and parks, versus charging when appropriate, eg commercial activities on council land.
Keep rates increases as low as possible without compromising the quality of services or deferring critical infrastructure maintenance.
Maintain the Waimakariri District Council's credit rating that is higher than any of the banks in New Zealand.
Actively seek opportunities to partner and invest in new industries of the district.
Consider multi-generational fairness on capital projects ensuring debt as a tool is used appropriately now and for future generations.
Investigate establishing a ratepayer-funded portfolio with the intent to have the earnings rebated back to contributors as a rate rebate.
Focus on Waimakariri as a well financially managed and revered council with AA rating continuously achieving the best borrowing rates for capital growth.
Maintain council debt at 8% of assets, $2.8 billion, half due to earthquake reconstruction, with new infrastructure lasting up to 100 years.
Maintain rates increases as among the lowest in the country without compromising level of service, allowing for good maintenance and growth expenses.
Get across the policies, candidates and parties
Don’t know who to vote for? Policy.nz is the complete guide to the 2025 local elections. Compare the candidates and policies to see where you stand.
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