Horowhenua District Council publishes Local Governance Statement

Horowhenua District Council has adopted and published its revised Local Governance Statement.

The Local Governance Statement is a collection of information about the processes through which Council engages with residents of Horowhenua, as well as how Council makes decisions and how residents and ratepayers can influence these processes.

The statement also helps to support the purpose of local government by promoting local democracy. It does this by providing the public with information on the ways to influence local democratic processes.

The Local Governance Statement is a requirement of the Local Government Act 2002 and includes the:
• functions, responsibilities, and activities of the council
• electoral arrangements
• governance structures and processes
• the way elected members make decisions and relate to each other
• the management structure and key policies of the council

The Local Government Act 2002 introduced changes to the way councils plan ahead, and as part of this, placed a responsibility on councils to work with their communities to identify the community’s expectations and priorities – known as community outcomes.

Chief Executive David Clapperton says that every council in New Zealand reviews their Local Governance Statements within six months of Local Elections.

“It is a good opportunity for us to take stock of our services to ensure we are fully informing the public about what we do and how people can engage with us,” he said.

The Local Governance Statement – March 2017 is available from Council at 06 366 0999 or enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz or online at:www.horowhenua.govt.nz/governancestatement.

ENDS

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