Find out about the roles and responsibilities of the Whakatāne District Council and its Councillors, Mayor, Committees and Community Boards.

Role of the Council

The Council is responsible for:

• The development and adoption of Council policies
• Monitoring the performance of the Council against its stated objectives and policies
• Prudent stewardship of Council resources
• Employment and appraisal of the Chief Executive's performance and monitoring the implementation of policy by him/her
• Representing the interests of the residents and ratepayers of the Whakatāne District
• Ensuring overall compliance by the Council with its obligations and responsibilities under the Local Government Act 2002 and all other legislation that prescribes statutory duties for territorial authorities
• Promoting good relationships with neighbouring local authorities

Members, as individuals, must comply with the requirements of the Code of Conduct and Standing Orders and other applicable rules of law.

Role of the Mayor

The Mayor is elected by the District as a whole.

Section 41A of the Local Government Act 2002 states that the role of a Mayor is to provide leadership to other members of the Council and to the people in the Whakatāne District. It goes on to say that the role of a Mayor is to lead the development of the Council’s plans (including the long-term plan and the annual plan), policies, and budgets for consideration by the members of the Council.  

Clause 3 of the section 41A of the Local Government Act 2002 provides for the Mayor:

1. To appoint the Deputy Mayor
2. To establish committees of the Council
3. To appoint the chairperson of each committee established
4. May appoint himself or herself to the Committees

However, nothing in this section limits or prevents a Council from discharging or reconstituting committees or chairpersons of those committees established by the Mayor by way of Council resolution at a later date. The Mayor can decline to exercise the powers outlined above.  

The Mayor is the ceremonial head of the Council and is often the first point of contact for ratepayers and interest groups on political matters. The Mayor is also responsible for:

• Presiding at Council meetings and ensuring the conduct of meetings is in accordance with standing orders
• Keeping Council informed of matters brought to his/her attention and formally presenting to Council those matters that need to be considered
• Advocacy on behalf of the community. This role may involve promoting the community and representing its interests. Such advocacy will be most effective where it is carried out with the knowledge and support of the Council
• Providing leadership and feedback to other elected members on teamwork, information sharing and chairmanship

Role of the Deputy Mayor

The Deputy Mayor may either be appointed by the Mayor or, if the Mayor declines to use the powers to appoint, the Deputy Mayor can then be elected by the Members of Council. This must occur at the first meeting of the Council.

 The Deputy Mayor exercises the same role as any other members. If the Mayor is on a leave of absence or incapacitated, the Deputy Mayor must perform all of the responsibilities and duties of the Mayor and may exercise the powers of the Mayor. The Deputy Mayor may be removed from office by resolution of the Council.

Role of Committee Chairpersons

A Committee Chairperson exercises the same role as any other member. They’re also responsible for presiding over all meetings of the relevant committee to ensure the committee acts within the powers it has been delegated.

Role of Community Boards

Community boards are constituted under section 49 of the Local Government Act 2002 to:

• Represent and act as advocates for the interests of their community
• Consider and report on any matter referred to them by the Council and any issues of interest or concern to the Community Board
• Make an annual submission to the Council on expenditure in the community
• Maintain an overview of services provided by the Council within the community
• Act as a channel of communication between the community and the Council
• Undertake any other responsibilities delegated by the Council

General and specific delegations to Community Boards are contained in the Delegations Register.