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Conserve Water - Raetihi

Due to low river flows in the Makotuku River, it is requested that water is conserved wherever possible in the Raetihi township. Updates will be posted when levels are back to the required standard. We appreciate your cooperation during this time.

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Why should I think about standing for my community?

Community Voices Shaping Our Future!

Local government is our most fundamental level of democracy. It enables individuals, whānau, and communities, through their elected representatives, to make decisions about how their district, city, or region operates today and in the future.

The origins of today’s system of local representation began around 180 years ago when residents of settler communities set up their own public works boards and charged rates to pay for roads, bridges, and sewers. These boards were officially recognised from 1845.

Today, councils have a unique role as they are the only form of government responsible for a specific geographic area or rohe – a role often known as ‘place-making’ or ‘place shaping’. This involves representing community members and governing and being accountable for local public services and infrastructure, just as it did in 1845.

The structure and function of local government recognise and reflect that no two rohe are the same. Each is diverse and unique, with different people and cultures, natural and built environments, resources, and businesses. No two communities have the same issues or aspirations, meaning local voices must be the source of local solutions.

Councils also provide leadership in bringing to life and honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi – The Treaty of Waitangi, by actively delivering on the commitment to partnership made between Māori and the Crown.

Why Me?

Aotearoa New Zealand is made up of many diverse and unique communities, and it is this diversity that sets us apart from the rest of the world. We need all those communities represented and all voices heard when local decisions are being made.

  • Contribute to Our Community's Development: Help improve and develop our community, making it a better place for everyone.
  • Shape the Future of Our District: Be actively involved in shaping the future of our local area, ensuring it meets the needs of all residents.
  • Represent Local Views: Ensure that the interests and views of local people are heard and taken into account in decision-making processes.
  • Utilise Your Skills for Our Community: Bring your business or professional skills to help our community realise its full potential.

Sadly, many of our communities find it hard to be heard, valued, or considered. We need candidates from every corner of Aotearoa New Zealand – every identity, background, culture, age, stage, ability, and ambition.

We need people who can see beyond today to the impact their decisions will have on future generations and act in the best interests of the community. People who are compassionate, open-minded, and able to take on new information while filtering out misinformation. People who can put individual opinions aside to act on behalf of the collective.

The Benefits of Standing for Council

Being elected by your fellow residents is an important position of trust.

Very few New Zealanders are given the opportunity to be an elected representative. Once elected you will have a unique opportunity to shape your community and how it will develop in the future.

You will get to develop a range of new skills and insights that will be valuable in other situations, such as being on the board of a community organisation and becoming a member of parliament.

Personal benefits include:

  • increased understanding of the operation of government at all levels;
  • increased confidence in communicating and dealing with people; and
  • increased knowledge of governance and management processes.

What Would I Be Doing If I Was Elected?

The specific tasks will depend on the role you are elected to. However, engaging with and representing everyone in your community is at the heart of all roles. You will need to listen to the views of your communities and represent them at meetings and in your decision-making.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Community Engagement: Engage with and represent your community by listening to their views and advocating for their needs.
  • Effective Governance: Provide effective governance by seeing the ‘big picture’ and making decisions in both the short- and long-term interests of your community.
  • Meeting Attendance: Attend Council meetings and read large amounts of sometimes complex material to stay informed and knowledgeable.
  • Public Presence: Attend local events, social occasions, visit marae, schools, and businesses, and speak publicly.

Being an elected member involves a commitment to your community and a dedication to making informed decisions that benefit everyone.

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