Waikato Regional Council
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.
Return $2.5 million in rates surplus back to ratepayers.
Keep rates at or below inflation.
Undertake line-by-line review of all council expenditure to assess value for money.
Hold rates at or below the level of inflation.
Ensure council investments continue to be managed professionally in accordance with the SIPO.
Return the $2.5 million surplus from FY 2024 by way of rebate to ratepayers.
Stick to the essentials and do them well.
Avoid vanity projects and improve lives rather than create cultural landmarks or win design awards.
Take practical steps to limit rate increases at every opportunity.
Develop a more strategic user-pay rating system and reasonable fees and charges with strict financial management and accountability.
Maximise partnerships supporting communities at a grassroots level through initiatives like natural heritage fund.
Manage council debt by cutting costs, boosting revenue, prioritising spending and refinancing loans to reduce interest.
Push for smarter funding tools beyond rates and advocate for strategic investment, partnerships and central government support.
Balance rates increase with cost of living and ensure continued value for money, fiscal accountability and transparency.
Manage investments to deliver enduring benefits and create lasting value for people today, tomorrow and for generations to come.
Return $2.5 million in rates surplus back to ratepayers.
Keep rates at or below inflation.
Undertake line-by-line review of all council expenditure to assess value for money.
Hold rates at or below the level of inflation.
Ensure council investments continue to be managed professionally in accordance with the SIPO.
Return the $2.5 million surplus from FY 2024 by way of rebate to ratepayers.
Stick to the essentials and do them well.
Avoid vanity projects and improve lives rather than create cultural landmarks or win design awards.
Take practical steps to limit rate increases at every opportunity.
Develop a more strategic user-pay rating system and reasonable fees and charges with strict financial management and accountability.
Maximise partnerships supporting communities at a grassroots level through initiatives like natural heritage fund.
Manage council debt by cutting costs, boosting revenue, prioritising spending and refinancing loans to reduce interest.
Push for smarter funding tools beyond rates and advocate for strategic investment, partnerships and central government support.
Balance rates increase with cost of living and ensure continued value for money, fiscal accountability and transparency.
Manage investments to deliver enduring benefits and create lasting value for people today, tomorrow and for generations to come.
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