

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.

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.
Introduce a higher levy on off-shore forestry companies to repair roading and water infrastructure and explore re-establishing the railway network.
Edit rates in the long term plan to decrease urban and rural housing rates and increase agriculture and dairy rates.
Re-examine Gisborne Holdings Ltd investments and re-align relevant investment opportunities.
Keep rates increases under 5 percent once the recovery rises have been accounted for in 2026.
Ensure fees and charges cover the cost of the activity as user pays.
Keep council borrowing to a minimum so debt is not left for next generations.
Introduce a levy on logging trucks per load that will directly support the cost of maintaining the roads.
Introduce a biodiversity levy on planting consents for forestry that contribute to mitigations such as deer control and freshwater.
Cap unsustainable rates increases.
Use coordinated lobbying and public campaigns to pressure central government into meaningful financial support.
Push Trust Tairāwhiti to invest in place-making and community building today to catalyse riches tomorrow.
Do not increase debt to fund operations and maintenance.
Begin reducing consultants and head count at the council as the recovery progresses with an eye on value for every rates dollar.
Support Gisborne Holdings Ltd in its strategy to pay higher dividends to council and become a key regional investment partner.
Support community efforts to boost economic growth with close eye on sustainability and infrastructure needs.
Introduce a higher levy on off-shore forestry companies to repair roading and water infrastructure and explore re-establishing the railway network.
Edit rates in the long term plan to decrease urban and rural housing rates and increase agriculture and dairy rates.
Re-examine Gisborne Holdings Ltd investments and re-align relevant investment opportunities.
Keep rates increases under 5 percent once the recovery rises have been accounted for in 2026.
Ensure fees and charges cover the cost of the activity as user pays.
Keep council borrowing to a minimum so debt is not left for next generations.
Introduce a levy on logging trucks per load that will directly support the cost of maintaining the roads.
Introduce a biodiversity levy on planting consents for forestry that contribute to mitigations such as deer control and freshwater.
Cap unsustainable rates increases.
Use coordinated lobbying and public campaigns to pressure central government into meaningful financial support.
Push Trust Tairāwhiti to invest in place-making and community building today to catalyse riches tomorrow.
Do not increase debt to fund operations and maintenance.
Begin reducing consultants and head count at the council as the recovery progresses with an eye on value for every rates dollar.
Support Gisborne Holdings Ltd in its strategy to pay higher dividends to council and become a key regional investment partner.
Support community efforts to boost economic growth with close eye on sustainability and infrastructure needs.
Compare the mayoral candidates in your area
Compare the candidates for your city or district council
Compare the candidates for your regional council
Compare the candidates for your local or community board