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    Governance

    Functions and Responsibilities

    Every three years Manawatu residents have the opportunity to elect eleven councillors and a mayor to represent their interests. The next election will be held on 11 October 2025.

    Although councillors are elected by wards (determined by communities of interest and population ratios), their principal role is to work in the interests of the whole district.

    Community committees play an important role in providing a local link and point of contact with Council. These committees are elected by their local communities every three years. A councillor is appointed to liaise with them.

    The purpose of the Council, as set out in Section 10 of the Local Government Act 2002, is to enable democratic local decision making and action by, and on behalf of, communities. Also, to meet the current and future needs of communities for good quality local infrastructure, local public services, and performance of regulatory functions in a way that is most cost-effective for households and businesses.

    In meeting its purpose, the Manawatu District Council has a variety of roles:

    • facilitating local solutions to local needs
    • advocacy on behalf of the local community with central government and other local authorities and agencies
    • development of local resources
    • management of local infrastructure including network infrastructure (e.g., roads, sewage disposal, water, stormwater) and community infrastructure (library, parks and recreational facilities)
    • environmental and regulatory management
    • planning for the future needs of the local district

    In fulfilling its purpose, the Manawatu District Council exercises powers and fulfils responsibilities conferred on it by legislation. The Council undertakes a variety of services for the Manawatu District. These services fall into the following groups of activities:

    • Community Facilities
    • District Development
    • Emergency Management
    • Environmental and Regulatory Management
    • Governance and Strategy
    • Roading
    • Solid Waste
    • Stormwater
    • Wastewater
    • Water Supply

    Council Vision and Outcomes

    The Local Government Act 2002 requires Council to describe the outcomes it aims to achieve in meeting the current and future needs of communities for good-quality local infrastructure, local public services, and performance of regulatory functions. View Council's Vision and Outcomes.

    Long Term Plan

    Council's Long Term Plan sets out the Community Outcomes and Council's priorities for the next ten years. The Long Term Plan also provides information on budgets, rating levels, major projects and general Council services. View Council's Long Term Plan.

    Annual Plan

    Council's Annual Plan sets out any variations to the plans and work priorities agreed in the Long Term Plan. View Council's current Annual Plan.

    Annual Report

    Council prepares an Annual Report on its activities each year. The Annual Report compares Manawatu District Council's actual performance against what was forecast in the Long Term Plan / Annual Plan. It includes both financial and non-financial information. View Council's latest Annual Report.