Ratepayer Voting Guide Helps Voters Cut Through the Spin

The New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union has today released the Ratepayer Voting Guide, giving voters a clear picture of where local body election candidates stand on rates, transparency, and unelected appointments. 

The Guide is based on candidates’ responses to the Ratepayer Protection Pledge, which asked every mayoral and council candidate to commit to: 

• Opposing rates, levies, and charges rising faster than inflation and population growth, 

• Supporting greater transparency of council spending through tools such as online expenditure disclosure and open data, 

• Opposing unelected members being appointed to council committees with spending and regulatory powers. 

The release of the Ratepayer Voting Guide comes after a series of mayoral debates across the country where voters could question their candidates directly.

Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson, Tory Relf, said: 

“Councils make decisions that affect households every day, yet most voters have no idea where their candidates actually sit on the big issues. The Ratepayer Voting Guide cuts through the spin and shows who is standing up for ratepayers and who isn’t.” 

“Every one of the more than 350 pledge signatories has been published online, so ratepayers can check their local candidates before casting a vote. This is about accountability and making sure ratepayers aren’t left guessing at the ballot box.” 

“Ratepayers are sick of higher bills, poor transparency, and unelected voices wielding power. The Voting Guide makes it easy to back candidates who will deliver change.” 

The Ratepayer Voting Guide is available now at www.Ratepayer.Vote

If candidates have not responded to the pledge and wish to do so, they can email [email protected] throughout the campaign period and the website will be updated.