Responsibilities
As an elected member, you get to voice the opinions of your community and plan Wellington’s future.
The mayor and councillors are responsible for:
- preparing and adopting the Long-term Plan, Annual Plan, and Annual Report
- setting rates and bylaws
- setting strategies, policies, and plans
- governing Council-controlled Organisations
- consulting with and considering the views of the community
- monitoring and reviewing the Council’s performance.
Community board members are responsible for:
- representing, and acting as an advocate for, the interests of its community
- considering and reporting on any matter of interest or concern to the board
- maintaining an overview of services provided by the Council
- preparing an annual submission to the territorial authority for expenditure within the community
- communicating with community organisations and special interest groups
- engaging with council officers on local issues and levels of service, including infrastructural, recreational, community services, and parks and gardens matters.
Skills required
Do I need qualifications to stand?
You don’t need any formal qualifications to be a candidate in Council elections. Elected members come from all walks of life and generally have a desire to serve their community. However, some attributes can help with running a campaign and fulfilling the role:
Abilities that will assist you with your campaign
- being able to publicly present your opinions confidently
- being able to listen to and present the views of the people that you will be representing.
Skills which are useful in the elected member role
- cultural awareness
- strategic thinking
- knowledge and understanding of your Council and local government
- relationship building and collaboration
- quality decision-making
- political acumen
- communication and engagement
- knowledge and understanding of your community
- leadership