Council keen to build a strong cohesive district

The Taupō District Council has adopted a “Whole of Council” model of governance, which re-inforces a district-wide focus

The “Whole of Council” option sees a number of changes which should promote a stronger, more cohesive and efficient governance model.

The new model includes the formation of a Hearings Commission, which will rotate members once councillors have gained the appropriate RMA qualifications. Clr Downard is currently the only councillor who is qualified, and independent commissioners will also be used.

Mayor Rick Cooper says there will be a Mangakino-Pouakani committee but it will report directly back to Council as the former Taupō–Kaingaroa/ Mangakino-Pouakani Committee has not been reconstituted.

The Turangi-Tongariro Community Board will continue with the same delegations and structure as in the past. Council has appointed Clrs Gary Keepa and Rob Henderson as representatives on the Board.

Special committees who report to Council include RWC2011, Emergency Management, Code of Conduct, Performance monitoring and the Taupo Airport Authority. Council will form adhoc committees as required.

Mayor cooper says the new structure will reinforce the intent of this largely new Council to focus on the strategic directions of the district as a whole and to strengthen the voice of smaller communities to ensure their voices are heard, “in effect keeping the ’local’ in local government.”

The next Council meeting will be held in the Turangi Senior Citizens Hall at 1pm on Tuesday 23 November and will be preceded by a Turangi Structure Plan workshop. All council meetings and workshops are open to the public.