The purpose of the Taituarã Democracy and Participation Reference Group
- Assist the local government sector to achieve high standards in the conduct of democracy services and governance support activity.
- Assist the local government sector and governance professionals to achieve high standards in the planning, management and conduct of elections and polls under the Local Electoral Act 2001.
- In conjunction with other agencies, enhance public understanding of the role of local democracy within New Zealand’s system of governance, and public participation in local democracy.
Responsibilities
- Monitor the environment within which local authorities operate for relevant issues impacting on the democracy and governance support function including proposed legislative change and developments in overseas jurisdictions
- Prepare and present submissions to appropriate organisations and Ministers representing local government sector concerns from a management and operational perspective.
- Provide advice to local authorities on issues within its area of focus. This may involve the preparation of good practice guidance, tools and training
- Participate in programmes that build community understanding of, and capacity to contribute to, the local democratic process.
- Participate in, or undertake, national programmes to help promote awareness of and participation in the democratic process, subject to the approval of the Chief Executive.
- Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with the local government sector and other organisations that have related interests
View/download the Democracy and Governance Support Working Party Terms of Reference.
Current Members
Chair
David Ward, Chief Executive - Selwyn District Council
Members
Jenni Cochrane, Communications Manager - Matamata-Piako District Council
Naell Crosby-Roe, Governance and Stakeholder Services Manager - Queenstown Lakes District Council
Carol Hayward, Team Leader Operations and Policy - Auckland Council
Courtney Hayward, Community and Engagement Manager - Wairoa District Council
Janice McDougall, Group Manager People and Partnerships - Kāpiti Coast District Council
Julie Straka, Governance Lead - New Plymouth District Council
Hannah White, Democracy Governance Manager - Palmerston North City Council
Rebecca Williams, Community Development Advisor - Central Otago District Council