Community Boards/Ward Committee

Community Boards have already been delegated the task of co-ordinating rural reserves and hall committees.  They also have a major input into the development of Council’s Long Term Council Community Plan.

Community Boards prime objectives are to be the interface between the Council and the ratepayers and public of the Ward.

Roles and Powers of Community Boards

The role of a community board is to (Section 52 – Local Government Act 2002)

1. Represent, and act as an advocate for, the interests of its community.
2. Consider and report on all matters referred to it by the territorial authority, or any matter of interest or concern to the community board.
3. Maintain an overview of services provided by the territorial authority within the community.
4. Prepare an annual submission to the territorial authority for expenditure within the community.
5. Communicate with community organisations and special interest groups within the community.
6. Undertake any other responsibilities that are delegated to it by the territorial authority.

A Community Board shall perform such functions and duties and exercise such powers as are delegated to it by the Council from time to time. 

1. Powers of Community Boards (Section 53 – Local Government Act 2002).
2. A community board has the powers that are:
   1. Delegated to it by the relevant territorial authority in accordance with clause 32 of Schedule 7 (LGA)
   2. Prescribed by the Order in Council constituting its community.
3. The powers of a Community Board prescribed by Order in Council expire at the close of 6 years after the order comes into force.
4. Despite subsection (1), a community board may not:
   1. Acquire, hold, or dispose of property.
   2. Appoint, suspend, or remove staff.

Roles and Powers of Taumarunui/Ohura Ward Committee

Council considers this Committee, to all intents and purposes, a Community Board (comprising the five Taumarunui Ward Councillors and the Ohura Ward Councillor). Council has delegated to it the same powers, functions and duties as those given to the National Park and Waimarino-Waiouru Community Boards, which are constituted as Community Boards under the Local Government Act 2002.

Purpose

To be the prime interface between the ratepayers and public of the Ward.

Operating Principles

1. Operate meetings according to Council’s Standing Orders.
2. Use informal workshops for in-depth consideration of key projects.
3. Authorise the Chairperson to make statements to the media accurately and reporting decisions of the Committee.

Areas of Responsibility

1. Represent, and act as an advocate for, the interests of the community.
2. Consider and report on all matters referred to it by the territorial authority, or any matter of interest or concern to the Ward Committee.
3. Maintain an overview of services provided by the territorial authority within the community.
4. Prepare an annual submission to the territorial authority for expenditure within the community.
5. Communicate with community organisations and special interest groups within the community.
6. Undertake any other responsibilities that are delegated to it by Council.