Whangārei District Council

Whangārei Urban General Ward
The Whangārei 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 13 councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). five councillors will be elected from the Whangārei Urban ward. This is a single transferable vote (STV) election, so you vote by ranking the candidates on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Whangārei 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.

  • Build long-term financial resilience by funding climate and infrastructure needs now, not reacting after costs hit.

    Ensure ratepayer funds are used efficiently by reviewing contracts to guarantee quality workmanship, clear deliverables and value for money.

    Match funding to usage so those who use infrastructure the most contribute fairly to its upkeep, reducing the burden on general ratepayers.

  • Practice responsible financial management.

    Diversify council revenue streams.

    Keep rates fair and transparent.

  • Control rates.

    Subsidise council expenses by liaising with central government and community housing providers.

    Subsidise rates with council controlled organisation income.

  • Govern wisely given the huge burden to fund maintenance and development and the small willingness to pay more rates.

    Balance manageable debt, revenue and equity finance to minimise the repercussions of rate increases and spread the burden.

    Ensure that risk is well managed and return is maximised at the same time on investments.

  • Implement the Preston Model to build community wealth and retain money already ours.

    Reduce what can be reduced to support people now whilst planning for the future.

    Review finances and council investments to make them transparent and make necessary changes to align with making Whangarei affordable.

  • Build long-term financial resilience by funding climate and infrastructure needs now, not reacting after costs hit.

    Ensure ratepayer funds are used efficiently by reviewing contracts to guarantee quality workmanship, clear deliverables and value for money.

    Match funding to usage so those who use infrastructure the most contribute fairly to its upkeep, reducing the burden on general ratepayers.

  • Practice responsible financial management.

    Diversify council revenue streams.

    Keep rates fair and transparent.

  • Control rates.

    Subsidise council expenses by liaising with central government and community housing providers.

    Subsidise rates with council controlled organisation income.

  • Govern wisely given the huge burden to fund maintenance and development and the small willingness to pay more rates.

    Balance manageable debt, revenue and equity finance to minimise the repercussions of rate increases and spread the burden.

    Ensure that risk is well managed and return is maximised at the same time on investments.

  • Implement the Preston Model to build community wealth and retain money already ours.

    Reduce what can be reduced to support people now whilst planning for the future.

    Review finances and council investments to make them transparent and make necessary changes to align with making Whangarei affordable.