Mayor of Waikato

The mayor is the leader of the council. Their job is to promote a vision for the district and lead the development of the council’s plans, policies and budget. The mayor appoints the deputy mayor, establishes committees for particular topics, and appoints chairs for those committees. 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 District Council mayoral 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.

  • Bring the nearly doubled debt from $178.8 million to projected $347 million back under control by focusing on core activities.

    Increase amalgamation of services with other councils across a range of services to address rates unaffordability, which is the main issue for communities.

    Reset how services are delivered by increasing community empowerment to deliver projects, doing more with less and delivering what is needed.

  • Maintain rates, which were lower this term than national averages, with 2025/26 rates lower than Auckland and Hamilton. Instigating the Three Waters Council Controlled Organisation will impact rates affordability.

    Manage money well. Council retained AA+ financial rating for performance, ensured best interest rates and managed debt well within policy guidelines, with the CCO adding savings.

    Manage as the fourth fastest growing council and eighth lowest percentage staff costs in the nation, with comparative analysis by taxpayers and Department of Internal Affairs showing preference in complex growth.

  • Bring the nearly doubled debt from $178.8 million to projected $347 million back under control by focusing on core activities.

    Increase amalgamation of services with other councils across a range of services to address rates unaffordability, which is the main issue for communities.

    Reset how services are delivered by increasing community empowerment to deliver projects, doing more with less and delivering what is needed.

  • Maintain rates, which were lower this term than national averages, with 2025/26 rates lower than Auckland and Hamilton. Instigating the Three Waters Council Controlled Organisation will impact rates affordability.

    Manage money well. Council retained AA+ financial rating for performance, ensured best interest rates and managed debt well within policy guidelines, with the CCO adding savings.

    Manage as the fourth fastest growing council and eighth lowest percentage staff costs in the nation, with comparative analysis by taxpayers and Department of Internal Affairs showing preference in complex growth.