Representative Groups 2026 Review
Survey closed
The survey closed at 5.30pm Sunday 1 February 2026. Thank you for all the feedback received.
If you have any questions, please contact our team on 0800 ASK TDC or email engagement@taupo.govt.nz.
Introduction
Taupō District Council is taking a fresh look at how it connects with communities and is inviting feedback.
We want to create a stronger and more informed relationship between Council and communities. This is about listening first and working together. We want to know whether the current format of the Representative Groups worked for the public, or whether you would prefer a more informal meeting with more opportunities for immediate input on topics.
This proposal responds to feedback that the Representative Group structure was inflexible and did not meet the diverse needs of all communities. We know a one-size-fits-all approach does not work, so this is an opportunity to explore new ways of connecting.
What are Representative Groups?
Representative Groups are formal committees established by Taupō District Council to provide a local voice for different communities within the district.
There are currently four representative groups:
- Mangakino-Pouakani
- Taupō East Rural
- Tongariro
- Kinloch
There has been no Representative Group for the Taupō community.
These groups act as a forum for community input on Council matters, share local issues, and provide feedback on plans and projects. Meetings are highly structured, with each group including elected councillors and appointed community representatives. Formal meetings are held regularly, follow standing orders, and are open to the public. Members can raise issues. The public can only speak during pre-allocated sessions for up to five minutes.
Representative Group powers are limited – most agenda items are for information or recommendations rather than binding decisions. These meetings are not a legislative requirement and are reviewed every new triennium.
Why are we looking at changing them?
Formal meetings can feel rigid and don’t meet community needs. Many of these Representative Groups have low attendance and we'd like to see more locals taking an interest on what's going on in their area. That’s why we want to talk directly with each community, to find solutions that fit locally, rather than using a one-size-fits-all model.
The new forums aim to foster stronger engagement, inclusivity, and community-led planning across the district.
Your input will help shape the next steps.
How could they change?
We are considering transitioning from formal Representative Groups to informal, elected member-led forums, depending on feedback from communities. They could be more interactive and responsive and give people a chance to talk directly to elected members.
These proposed forums will provide an inclusive platform for Council and communities to collaborate on shaping decisions that affect the district.
The forums aim to:
- Encourage meaningful conversations and trust between Council and communities.
- Ensure greater transparency in decision-making.
- Support evidence-based, community-led planning and prioritisation of local initiatives.
- Strengthen civic understanding of Council processes and encourage active participation.
- Enable direct connection between elected members and communities, with a designated elected member lead at each forum supported by Council officers.
Functions previously undertaken by the groups would be enabled through other processes. For example, community grants in the Mangakino-Pouakani ward would be distributed through a stand-alone grant distribution committee established for that purpose, which is the same process undertaken in other parts of the district. Other matters, for example those relating to trees, would be undertaken by the recently established Regulatory Committee.
Tūrangi-Tongariro ward and representation review
The Tongariro Representative Group is part of this review because its existence is at the discretion of Council. However, this review does not include the Tūrangi Co-Governance Committee. That committee was created following the disestablishment of the Tūrangi-Tongariro Community Board at the end of 2022 and will continue as it is enabled through the Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreement between Ngāti Tūrangitukua and Council.
A more formal representation review will take place in 2027 under the Local Electoral Act 2001, ahead of the 2028 elections. This review will look at things like the number of councillors, whether they’re elected across the district or through wards.
Community engagement events
Throughout January our team will be out and about talking to communities about this review.
Taupō Ward:
- Kinloch lakefront: Friday 23 January 4pm – 6pm
- Taupō Market Central: Sunday 25 January 9am – 1pm
- Waitahanui Tutemohuta Reserve: Tuesday 27 January 4pm - 6pm
- Kinloch - Kinstock Event: Saturday 31 January 1pm to 4pm
Mangakino-Pouakani Ward:
- Mangakino Library: Wednesday 28 January 12.30pm – 2.30pm
- Tirohanga Hall: Friday 30 January 12 noon – 2pm
Tongariro Ward:
- Hatepe Marae: Friday 23 January 4pm – 5pm
- Tūrangi Market: Saturday 24 January 9am – 1pm
- Pukawa (Oreti Restaurant): Monday 26 January 9.30am - 12 noon
- Omori Community Hall: CANCELLED
Taupō-East Rural Ward:
- Wairakei Playground Reserve: Thursday 29 January 4.30pm - 6.30pm
Timeline
| Timeline | Dates |
|---|---|
| Community survey | 23 December 2025 to 1 February 2026 |
| Review feedback | February 2026 |
| Council decision | Late February 2026 |
| Implementation | March 2026 |
