Wairoa District Council

Wairoa General Ward
The Wairoa 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 six councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). three councillors will be elected from the Wairoa 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 Wairoa 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.

  • Apply credits for new development levies to encourage establishment of new businesses and infrastructure projects.

    Increase rates for forest land or create user-pay by-law charges for rural roading for logging and harvesting activity.

    Keep rates at a reasonable level within an agreed band for all ratepayers.

  • Audit spending annually for efficiency and accountability.

    Diversify council revenue with sustainable tourism levies.

    Keep rates affordable through smart borrowing and cost prioritisation.

  • Apply credits for new development levies to encourage establishment of new businesses and infrastructure projects.

    Increase rates for forest land or create user-pay by-law charges for rural roading for logging and harvesting activity.

    Keep rates at a reasonable level within an agreed band for all ratepayers.

  • Audit spending annually for efficiency and accountability.

    Diversify council revenue with sustainable tourism levies.

    Keep rates affordable through smart borrowing and cost prioritisation.