The Westland District Council consists of the Mayor and eight Councillors. These positions are subject to election every three years. Election information for the Westland district can be found here.
Elected members govern New Zealand Local Authorities by participating in legally constituted meetings of the Council and its Committees. The members collectively exercise the powers, duties, authorities and responsibilities vested in the Local Authority by the Local Government Act 2002 and other Acts.
To be effective in this role, each member has a responsibility to be well informed about the issues on which decisions are required. This does not only mean reading the reports and other documents that are provided but also keeping in contact with the various community groups, residents, businesses etc. that are affected by the decisions made to enable their views to be considered. In the end, however decisions should be made in the best interest of the community as a whole.
Council meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of every month.
Photographs - Katrina Thornley Photography