Waikato, NZ – Tuakau-Pokeno ward councillor candidate Fabio Rodrigues has announced his bold Dollar for Dollar Policy to bring back discipline, accountability and common sense to council finances. The policy guarantees that every new dollar of council spending will be matched by a dollar in savings, cutting waste instead of raising rates.
“For years, councils have spent first and asked questions later,” said Rodrigues. “They raise rates while dodging tough choices. My plan will stop that. If the council wants to spend more, they’ll have to save more. It’s that simple.”
Under Rodrigues’ policy, the council will be forced to live within its means just like every household and small business has to.
The Plan
Cut Wasteful Spending
All council projects and programs will be reviewed line by line. If it doesn’t serve the community or deliver real value, it’s on the chopping block.
Offset Every New Dollar
Every time council proposes new spending, it must show where it’s saving the same amount. No exceptions. No excuses. If they want to spend, they’ll need to cut.
Prioritise Core Services
Rodrigues will protect essential services like roads, infrastructure and public safety and stop spending on vanity projects, low-impact programs or bloated admin costs.
Annual Review and Reset
Each year, the council will undergo a full spending review to find new savings, redirect funds and keep spending sharp. Flexibility when needed. Discipline always.
A Council That Spends Like It Cares
The problem isn’t just high rates. It’s how they’re being spent. From bloated budgets to pet projects with no benefit to ratepayers, Waikato ratepayers have had enough. Rodrigues’ Dollar for Dollar Policy brings back the mindset that every dollar counts.
“When I say I’ll treat every ratepayer dollar like it’s my own, I mean it,” Rodrigues said. “No more blank checks. No more free rides. If elected I will hold the council accountable to make sure that it will work for you — not the other way around.”
