Why vote?
Your voice has power. As a resident, you have the right to vote for who represents you at the Local Government level. Voting for your Council members gives you the opportunity choose who will be at the table making decisions that affect the day-to-day and future lives of everyone living, working and playing in the Matamata-Piako district.
So what does council do?
Council |
Central Government (Parliament & Ministries) |
| Provides local services like water and rubbish collection. | Provides national services and structures. |
| Maintains local roads, footpaths and parks. | Oversees national infrastructure like highways. |
| Manages libraries, pools, and other recreational or information centres. | Runs public services such as health, education and welfare. |
| Issues building and resource consents. | Sets national standards for housing and building. |
| Creates local bylaws. | Creates laws. |
| Collects rates (local property taxes) to fund services. | Collects national taxes (e.g., income tax, GST) |
| Plans and manages local land use and development. | Oversees national land and resource regulations. |
| Promotes local economic development and tourism. |
Negotiates international trade and climate agreements. |
| Represents community interests and facilitates local democracy. | Represents New Zealanders at the national and international level. |
And what do the people that get elected to Council do?
Elected officials do... |
Elected officials don't... |
| Represent the views and interests of their community. | Manage day-to-day council operations (that’s the CEO’s job). |
| Make decisions on local policies, plans, and bylaws. | Intervene in individual staff or operational matters. |
| Set the council’s strategic direction and priorities. | Make decisions alone — they act as part of a governing body. |
| Approve budgets and rates. | Direct council staff or contractors. |
| Participate in council and committee meetings. | Promise specific outcomes to constituents without council approval. |
| Engage with the public and advocate for community needs. | Act as MPs or make national-level decisions. |
| Monitor council performance and hold the organisation accountable. | Use their position for personal gain or to influence private matters. |
| Vote on key issues affecting the district or region. | Make decisions outside of formal council processes. |
Make sure you are enrolled to vote by 9 August 2025. If you aren’t enrolled by then you can still vote by doing a special vote.
