Waikato, NZ – Tuakau-Pokeno ward councillor candidate Fabio Rodrigues has unveiled his Cutting Consultants Policy to stop council from wasting ratepayer money on overpriced consultants and redirect that funding into frontline services, infrastructure and community programs.
“Councils have become addicted to consultants. Instead of backing their own teams and fixing local problems, they throw thousands at outside firms,” said Rodrigues. “We need to spend smarter, not bigger. My policy will cut back on consultants and put that money where it matters most — into the community.”
Under the policy, council spending on external consultants will be cut by at least 25 percent during Rodrigues’ term.
The Plan
Audit and Review Existing Consultant Contracts
Every consultant contract currently in place will be reviewed to determine if it delivers real value or if the work can be done in-house for less.
Prioritise In-House Expertise
Rodrigues will invest in upscaling internal council teams to handle complex tasks that are too often outsourced. If council has the talent, it should use it.
Tighten the Rules
Any new consulting contracts must go through a competitive and transparent process. No open-ended deals, no vague deliverables and no more blank checks.
Redirect Savings Back Into the Community
Every dollar saved from slashing consultant spending will go straight back into public services like roads, infrastructure, safety and local programs that residents rely on.
Time to Cut the Waste
Waikato doesn’t need more reports. It needs results. If elected Rodrigues will push council to stop wasting money on consultants and start empowering the people already working hard in our community.
“Ratepayers are footing the bill while consultants cash in,” said Rodrigues. “That needs to end if elected. We’ll back our teams, cut the waste and bring council spending back under control.”
