Council Structure

The Westland District Council consists of the Mayor and 10 Councillors. These positions are subject to election every three years. The next triennial election will be held in October 2010.

Role of Elected Members

Elected members govern New Zealand Local Authorities by participating in legally constituted meetings of the Council and its Committees. The members collectively exercise the powers, duties, authorities and responsibilities vested in the Local Authority by the Local Government Act 2002 and other Acts. To be effective in this role, each member has a responsibility to be well informed about the issues on which decisions are required. This does not only mean reading the reports and other documents that are provided but also keeping in contact with the various community groups, residents, businesses etc. that are affected by the decisions made to enable their views to be considered. In the end, however decisions should be made in the best interest of the community as a whole.

Council meetings are held on the third Thursday of every month, while meetings of the four standing committees  (Assets Committee, Audit and Finance Committee, Planning and Development Committee and Recreation and Community Services Committee) are scheduled on a two monthly cycle unless matters arise that require extra meetings.  Other committees of Council meet as required. View the Schedule of meetings for 2010>>.