Governance documents

Code of Conduct for Elected Members

The Council is required under the Local Government Act 2002 to adopt a Code of Conduct for elected members. The Code of Conduct sets out the standards of behaviour expected from elected members in the exercise of their duties.

The Code of Conduct was adopted on 30 January 2020 and is currently under review.

Council Code of Conduct (PDF, 384KB)

Governance structure, committee delegations and membership

Council has adopted a governance structure that supports good decision-making and has robust processes. In order for us to effectively fulfil our overarching strategic decision-making role, the structure delegates certain decision-making authority to committees.

The Terms of Reference and Delegations for Council Committees document outlines the specific roles, delegations, functions and authority of the committees and was adopted on 15 November 2022.

Terms of Reference and Delegations for Council Committees 2022-25 (PDF, 438KB)

Local Governance Statement

Our Local Governance Statement is a collection of information about the processes that we use to engage with the Taupō District community. The statement outlines how the Council makes decisions and how the public can be involved in decision-making processes.

Section 40 of the Local Government Act 2002 requires Council to adopt a Local Governance Statement within six months following a triennial election. Our Local Governance Statement was adopted on 28 March 2023.

Local Governance Statement (PDF, 705KB)

Pecuniary and Other Specified Interests of Elected Members

The Local Government (Pecuniary Interests) Amendment Act 2022 requires Council to publish a summary of Elected Member’s Pecuniary Interests on its website. This is to provide transparency and to strengthen public trust and confidence in local government processes and decision making.

Register of Pecuniary and Other Specified Interests of Elected Members as at 13 February 2023 (PDF, 159KB)

Remuneration and expenses

The Remuneration Authority sets the base remuneration for all elected members of local authorities including community boards. It also sets allowances and expenses.

Find out more on the Remuneration Authority website

The Elected Members Expenses Policy sets out rules for elected members wishing to claim expenses and the resources that will be available to them during the 2022-2025 Triennium of Council. The policy was adopted on 15 November 2022.

Elected members expenses policy (PDF, 130KB)

View elected members expenses

Selection, Appointment and Remuneration Policy for external appointees on Council Committees

Council makes a number of external appointments to various committees of council. This policy provides a clear and transparent process for the selection, appointment and remuneration of those external appointments.

Selection, Appointment and Remuneration Policy for external appointees on Council Committees 2022 (PDF, 80KB)

Standing Orders

Standing orders contain rules for the conduct of the proceedings of local authorities, committees, subcommittees, subordinate decision-making bodies, and local and community boards. Their purpose is to enable local authorities to exercise their decision-making responsibilities in a transparent, inclusive, and lawful manner.

In doing so the application of standing orders contributes to greater public confidence in the quality of local governance and democracy in general. These Standing Orders were adopted by the Council on 13 December 2022.

Taupo District Council Standing Orders 2022-2025 (PDF, 849KB)