The Westland District Council consists of the Mayor and 8 Councillors. These positions are subject to election every three years. Election information for the Westland district can be found here.

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 fourth Thursday of every month.

Table of allowances paid to current Councillors

Mayor and Councillor photos © Katrina Thornley, Photo Corner.

Mayor
			BRUCE SMITH Mayor Phone: 021 922 860 Email:
Deputy Mayors (*)
			LATHAM MARTIN
			HELEN LASH
Northern Ward
			DURHAM HAVILL Ward: Northern Phone: 03 755 7796 Email:
			GRAEME OLSON Ward: Northern Phone: 03 755 7790 Email:
			JANE NEALE Ward:  Northern Phone:  03 755 8069 Email:
Hokitika Ward
			DAVID CARRUTHERS Ward: Hokitika Phone: 03 755 8815 Email:
			DES ROUTHAN Ward: Hokitika Phone: 03 755 7444 Email:
			LATHAM MARTIN * Ward: Hokitika Phone: 755 7337 Email:
Southern Ward
			GRAY EATWELL Ward: Southern Phone:03 753 4236 Email:
			HELEN LASH * Ward: Southern Phone:03 753 4274 Email:

Council Vision

Westland District Council will facilitate the development of communities within its district through delivery of sound infrastructure, policy and regulation.

This will be achieved by:

• Involving the community and stakeholders.
• Delivering core services that meet community expectations and demonstrate value and quality.
• Proudly promoting, protecting and leveraging our historic, environmental, cultural and natural resource base to enhance lifestyle and opportunity for future generations.