Gisborne District Council is welcoming the release of the Government’s new Council Performance Profiles, while urging the public to look beyond the numbers.

“These profiles give the public easier access to financial data – and that’s a good thing,” says Mayor Rehette Stoltz. “We are proud of what we have achieved under difficult conditions and welcome the opportunity to share some context behind the numbers.”

As a unitary authority, Council is responsible for both district and regional functions across one of the most remote and geographically challenging areas in the country. The region is still recovering from significant events like Cyclone Gabrielle, which has required large-scale investment in roads, flood protection, and water infrastructure.

The Council kept its 2023/24 rates increase below the group median (5.1% compared to 8.9%) and continues to operate with a balanced budget well above the 100% benchmark. Personnel numbers reflect contractors and essential frontline staff – not bureaucracy.

Mayor Stoltz also acknowledged the wider local government community.

“Every council in Aotearoa New Zealand is facing different pressures – from housing growth to climate impacts. This benchmarking tool is one lens, but it doesn’t tell the full story. We stand with other councils working under tough conditions to serve their people. Local government is doing more than ever.”

Key outtakes

• Council Type: Unitary authority – delivers both local and regional functions
• Area: 8,385 km² with approx. 53,000 people
• Recovery: Rebuilding from Cyclone Gabrielle and other severe weather events
• Capital Spending: Focused on critical infrastructure and Category 3 property buyouts
• Debt/Capital: Higher than peers – reflects externally funded resilience work
• Rates: 2023/24 increase was 5.1% (below group median of 8.9%); forecast increase is 10.3%
• Balanced Budget: Exceeded 100% benchmark across all years measured
• Staffing: 389 FTEs (incl. contractors and recovery personnel)
• Transparency: Financial reporting publicly available since 2002
• Unique Pressures: Remoteness, climate impacts, underinvestment, compliance changes
• Funding Sources: Mix of rates and central government investment

View the council profiles and group comparison tables here:

• https://www.dia.govt.nz/local-government-performance-metrics

The Minister’s announcement is available here:
https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/stronger-accountability-your-rates

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