About becoming an elected member
The role of a councillor
Elected members are responsible for representing their community, and for the governance of their community. Councillors will participate in:
- Long-term and strategic planning for the city
- Budget and rates setting
- Policy development
- Representing the city at functions and events
- Reviewing and developing bylaws
- Advocating on a range of issues
- Preparing for and attending Council meetings
- Co-ordinating partnerships and relationships with government and other agencies
- Upholding the Te Tiriti o Waitangi / Treaty of Waitangi
- Working within a legislative and regulatory framework.
What skills and knowledge are required
You don’t need a formal qualification. The most important thing is to care for and want to serve your community, to listen to your community, and to be the voice representing your community.
There are certain skills and attributes that are required to be an effective Councillor:
- Leadership: providing direction and taking action to achieve the Council’s vision and goals
- Cultural awareness: having a good understanding of tikanga Māori and the Council’s responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Council’s partnership with Te Arawa. Additionally, being respectful and empathetic to different peoples and cultures within our Council and communities
- Informed decision-making: making decisions based on staff and expert advice, community views and experience, whilst being financially prudent and reducing risk
- Strategic thinking: working to the city’s priorities, and how these fit to national and international developments
- Teamwork and relationships: building productive relationships with the community, elected members and external organisations to achieve the Council’s vision and goals
- Knowledge of local government: Understanding the role of Council, processes and budget, as well as understanding and complying with relevant legislation.
How much time is involved
The amount of time involved will depend on the position you are elected to, and what other additional committee responsibilities you have. As well as formal meetings (often a full day), there is a lot of reading required to prepare for meetings. You will also be required to attend community functions which often fall on a weekend or in the evenings.
Do elected members get paid?
Remuneration depends on the role you are elected to, any additional committee responsibilities you have, and the size of your city or region as this will dictate how much time your role requires.
