How South Waikato District Council works

Political decision-making at South Waikato District Council is shared between the Mayor and ten Councillors who represent our three Wards - Tokoroa, Putaruru and Tirau. We also have one community board called the Tirau Community Board, representing the Tirau Ward community.

Our model of local government helps meet the needs of the district, ratepayers and community and provides the South Waikato the resources it needs to grow, develop and be sustainable while looking after our environment and economy.

All decisions are made by full Council through Council meetings or through one of two committees consisting of full Council - the Corporate and Regulatory Committee and the Community and Assets Committee. Other decision making committees of Council (eg, Audit and Risk Committee) including the Tirau Community Board have no decision making powers.

Elected members

The Mayor

The Mayor is elected by all South Waikato voters and leads the Governing Body.

Council

The Governing Body focuses on the big picture, long term goals and on district-wide strategic decisions.

The Governing Body consists of the Mayor and ten Ward Councillors, elected by voters from the three South Waikato District Wards. One Councillor is elected from the Tirau Ward, three from the Putaruru Ward and six from the Tokoroa Ward.

Committees

The Governing Body establishes committees to enable effective decision-making.

Local boards

We have one community board, the Tirau Community Board that serves the Tirau Ward community. There are four members. These four members elect a chairperson. The Tirau Ward Councillor is also appointed as a member of the TCB.