The Ōtorohanga District is currently governed by a Council comprising of a Mayor and 9 Councillors.
The mayor is elected by all of the ratepayers of the District, and the 9 Councillors are elected by the ratepayers within 7 defined ward areas within the District.
Council has established Community Boards in Ōtorohanga and Kāwhia/Aotea.
Community Boards are sufficiently distinct from the rest of the District and provide a separate layer of representation.
The Community Boards may make recommendations to Council on any matter of interest and may seek approval for any initiative for which authority has not already been delegated.
Council makes decisions on whether to adopt recommendations made by the Boards, but has maintained a good relationship with the Boards.
This gives the Boards significant control over Council activities in those communities.
The Governance Statement is a document that outlines the ways in which the Council communicates, cooperates and consults with the District's residents.
It outlines how Council makes decisions and also promotes local democracy by informing residents about ways that they can be part of the decision-making process.
Download the Governance Statement [PDF 24.48 MB] or request a paper copy by contacting Council.