Final results for the 2025 Local Government Elections are available at the link below.
Published on 03 October 2025
A more detailed version of this release is available in Waitaki District Council’s Pre-Election Report.
There are big changes happening in the government that affect councils like ours. These changes mean councils have to update their systems and start new ways of working, which can be costly for people who pay rates.
Some examples of these changes are:
• The government decided not to make kerbside recycling collection mandatory anymore.
• Councils now have to collect a new Food Levy for the government.
• A new rule allows granny flats up to 70m² to be built without needing a building consent.
There's also a new law called the Local Government Systems Improvement Bill. This law will set new priorities for councils and change how they work.
While these changes can be good in the long run, it's hard for councils to keep up with them because they often don't have enough people or money to manage the changes right away. Sometimes, a new law is announced, but it doesn't become official right away.
The council keeps an eye on new laws and gives feedback to make sure our community's voice is heard. Once a law is official, the council makes changes gradually to make sure they are affordable and effective.
The main goal is to provide good services that meet the community's needs, keep rates affordable, and follow the law.
ENDS
media@waitaki.govt.nz