Why stand?
Your voice has power. As an Elected Member of Council, your voice is a representation of all the residents in our district. Standing for Council gives you the opportunity to be at the table making decisions that effect the day-to-day and future lives of everyone living, working and playing in the Matamata-Piako district.
So what does an elected official 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. |
If you or someone you know is interested in standing - we encourage you/them to read the candidate handbook, the pre-election report and to get your/their nomination in - nominations are open until 1 August 2025.
