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The community is encouraged to attend and participate in council meetings that are open to the public.
If you are attending a Council meeting to observe a particular item, please note that not all items on an agenda may be discussed/debated by Council. Items where public questions or deputations are asked are generally (but not always) discussed/debated.
Changes to the Local Government Act 1995 which came into effect on 1 January 2025 now require band 3 Local Governments to publish audio recordings of official meetings of council (those being Ordinary and Special Council meetings).
Audio transcripts of Council meetings will be published on the Town’s website along with the minutes of the meeting.
The Annual Meeting of Electors is the meeting required to be held once every financial year for the purpose of discussing the annual report and any other general business. The meeting gives electors of the Town the opportunity to ask questions, make statements and move motions to be voted on by the electors of the Town.
The form to submit a motion or ask a question at this meeting can be found here.
The Agenda Forum takes place on the third Tuesday of each month, providing an opportunity for Elected Members to engage in discussions about various items in a public forum. This collaborative environment supports effective decision-making, allowing Elected Members to seek additional information and clarification on important topics. While formal decisions are not made during the forum, it serves as a valuable platform for dialogue and exploration of issues. Members of the public are invited to attend and participate by asking questions, enhancing community engagement in the decision-making process.
Questions and deputations made at an Agenda Forum must relate to an item listed on the meeting’s agenda. Please ensure that you complete the relevant form and submit it to the Town by 12pm on the day of the meeting.
Ordinary Council Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of every month and serve as a vital platform for making formal decisions that impact the community. These meetings are open to the public, encouraging active participation from residents and providing them with an opportunity to engage.
The Mayor presides over the proceedings, ensuring that discussions are conducted in accordance with the Town’s Meeting Procedures Local Law 2010. This framework promotes transparency, order, and accountability, allowing Elected Members to deliberate on important issues, review proposals, and vote on resolutions.
Questions and deputations at Ordinary Council Meetings can relate to any matter the Town has responsibility for. Please ensure that you complete the relevant form linked below and submit it to the Town by 12pm on the day of the meeting.
The Audit Committee plays a crucial role in local government by overseeing auditing processes, corporate governance, and risk management. This committee ensures transparency and accountability in financial reporting, assesses internal controls, and reviews compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Typically, the committee convenes quarterly to review reports, discuss findings, and make recommendations to Council.
Special Council Meetings are called to address specific items of business that require immediate attention or discussion. Unlike regularly scheduled meetings, these sessions are held on an as-needed basis throughout the year, allowing Council members to respond swiftly to urgent matters, emerging issues, or significant opportunities.
