The Hamilton City Council will on Thursday begin a comprehensive review of everything it does in an effort to reduce costs.
The council's debt is forecast to reach $445 million by June next year and has recently approved a rates increase of 8%.
Mayor Julie Hardaker says both are unsustainable and at least 10% needs to come off operating costs.
The challenge to councillors is being made as they start wading through the long term plan.
Ms Hardaker says the council has to balance the wants and needs of people with trying to be financially responsible.
Council chief executive Barry Harris says if councillors accept the challenge, everything will be up for review.