What's involved in being an elected member

He aha ngā mahi a te mema pōti

Elected Members play a varied role in the day-to-day running of our district, so no two days are the same. Here are some typical scenarios of the type of work elected members do.

What you will be involved in

As an Elected Member, you will:

• be a part of governing a small, rural, centrally located district, at the heart of the North Island
• help decide how South Waikato's money is spent through the Annual Plan and Long Term Plan.
• make decisions that will help define the future for our communities
• help South Waikato businesses grow and prosper
• decide how to meet the current and future needs for infrastructure, public services and regulations
• provide direction in collaboration with management regarding the management of our assets, worth $511 million.

A day in the life of an Elected Member

On any given day, an Elected Member may:

• read and prepare for the upcoming week's meetings
• vote in various decision-making meetings and committees
• engage with the public to hear their views
• attend events like public meetings, school prizegivings, citizenship ceremonies or the opening of a new park or cycleway
• represent the council at community and cultural events such as Matariki, Festival of Cultures, Diwali and the Putaruru WaterFest
• take part in community activities, like a working bee for a local stream regeneration project.

On top of this, there will be responsibilities that relate to your specific role.

Mayor

On a typical day, the Mayor of the South Waikato might:

• give an interview on breakfast radio
• sign off a media statement about a new Council project or initiative
• attend a Council meeting, Committee meeting or external meeting
• meet with the Chief Executive
• meet with local MPs
• meet with Police and other Councillors to discuss community safety
• read reports before chairing the three weekly Council meeting
• meet with a member of the community
• attend away meetings on behalf of Council
• open a new facility or infrastructure.

Councillors

On a typical day, a Councillor might:

• attend a Council or committee meeting
• speak to residents as part of a consultation about a new bylaw
• attend opening ceremonies for events or facilities
• attend away meetings on behalf of Council
• speak with residents about concerns or issues.

Local board members

On a typical day, a local board member might:

• attend the local board's six weekly meeting
• read an agenda and/or additional reports specifically related to the Tirau Ward
• get an update from the Domain Action Group regarding the Tirau Domain
• engage community members to discuss priorities and/or issues or concerns.

What to expect

Being an Elected Member at any level is a serious commitment, even though your responsibilities and hours will vary according to the office you represent and serve.

It is also a public role and will put you in the spotlight. You will be called upon to speak at meetings and events, and the media may ask for your views on certain topics.

If you are thinking to become a candidate, you should consider how you might balance the requirements and responsibilities of the role with other commitments in your life.