Council slips to last

The latest Local Government League Table has seen the Kaipara District Council slip from 65th to 67th – that’s dead last – on the list of New Zealand local authorities.

The league table is compiled by Northland-based finance and policy analyst Larry Mitchell, who says the ranking is well deserved.

The council was replaced by government-appointed commissioners last year.

Financial and rates disputes continue to blight the beleaguered KDC, who scored just 18 out of a possible 50 points.

KDC’s financial sustainability score was the lowest in the country, a paltry 6 out of 25, and third-lowest in the country with a community affordability score of 12 out of 25.

High debt levels per ratepayer and an ongoing rates strike is leaving the council struggling to pay its debts.

Clutha and Southland are tied for first as the best-performing councils in the country.