Council announces community representation arrangements

Taupō District Council has confirmed arrangements to support local representation and strengthen how elected members connect with communities across the district.

At its meeting on Tuesday, Council formally established representative group committees for the Mangakino‑Pouakani and Tongariro areas, and confirmed a new approach to community engagement through Councillor Connect forums in other parts of the district.

The decisions follow feedback received from the community earlier this year on how people want to engage with councillors and have a voice in local decision‑making.

The Mangakino‑Pouakani and Tongariro Representative Group committees will operate for the remainder of the 2025–28 triennium, with delegated responsibilities set by Council. Councillor Hope Woodward has been appointed Chair of the Mangakino‑Pouakani Representative Group, and Councillor Sandra Greenslade has been appointed Chair of the Tongariro Representative Group.

Council also agreed that expressions of interest will be sought from the community for appointed representatives to join the Mangakino‑Pouakani and Tongariro committees. The expression of interest process is open and will close at 5pm on Friday 17 April, with appointments to be considered later in April. More information is available at www.taupo.govt.nz/eoi.

Councillor Connect forums are designed to provide a more informal way for residents in areas such as Kinloch, Taupō East Rural and Taupō township to meet with councillors, ask questions and raise local issues.

Meeting dates for both representative group committees have been proposed and will be publicly advertised. Details about committee meetings and upcoming Councillor Connect forums will be shared through Council’s usual communication channels.