Masterton District Council

Masterton/Whakaoriori General Ward
The Masterton District Council provides local services and facilities, such as public transport, rubbish and recycling, libraries, parks, and recreation facilities. It also makes decisions about building and planning, local regulations, and infrastructure, such as water supply and sewerage. The council is made up of eight councillors and the mayor. Four councillors will be elected from the Masterton/Whakaoriori ward. The other councillors will be elected from other wards or by all voters in the district. This is a first past the post (FPP) election, so you vote by ticking the name of your preferred candidate on your ballot paper. Compare the candidates and their policies to decide who to vote for in the Masterton District Council election.

Local democracy

Local government is a foundational part of our democracy. But local democracy isn’t just about holding elections every three years – it’s about the day-to-day ways people have their say in the decisions that affect us all.

Local democracy

Local government is a foundational part of our democracy. But local democracy isn’t just about holding elections every three years – it’s about the day-to-day ways people have their say in the decisions that affect us all.

  • Consult with all residents. Iwi, European, Indian, Chinese, Islanders, old and young, everyone needs to be involved.

    Reduce staff levels in council as wages have doubled since 2016. Front line will not be affected, only office staff. Focus on core services.

    End closed door and public excluded meetings/workshops if possible. Ratepayers need more say on how their money is spent. More accountability.

  • Reduce public exclusion meetings to absolute minimum. Respect the views of all ethnic communities.

    Māori now have a separate ward.

    Council may be faced with amalgamation which will determine future size. Would pre-empt rather than wait for government mandate.

  • Ensure that significant decisions or policy changes are communicated with our community.

    Ensure everyone has a voice through engagement and public consultation.

    Ensure iwi are represented and engaged in decision making.

  • Promote more public engagement by advertising outcomes of previous public engagement.

    Go to the people instead of the people going to the council for feedback on council services.

  • Investigate a citizens' assembly approach to raising awareness and determining policy on climate change.

    Have input to the government's local government reform process to promote a more participatory local democracy.

    Investigate alternatives or improvements to the formal special consultative procedure.

  • Consult with all residents. Iwi, European, Indian, Chinese, Islanders, old and young, everyone needs to be involved.

    Reduce staff levels in council as wages have doubled since 2016. Front line will not be affected, only office staff. Focus on core services.

    End closed door and public excluded meetings/workshops if possible. Ratepayers need more say on how their money is spent. More accountability.

  • Reduce public exclusion meetings to absolute minimum. Respect the views of all ethnic communities.

    Māori now have a separate ward.

    Council may be faced with amalgamation which will determine future size. Would pre-empt rather than wait for government mandate.

  • Ensure that significant decisions or policy changes are communicated with our community.

    Ensure everyone has a voice through engagement and public consultation.

    Ensure iwi are represented and engaged in decision making.

  • Promote more public engagement by advertising outcomes of previous public engagement.

    Go to the people instead of the people going to the council for feedback on council services.

  • Investigate a citizens' assembly approach to raising awareness and determining policy on climate change.

    Have input to the government's local government reform process to promote a more participatory local democracy.

    Investigate alternatives or improvements to the formal special consultative procedure.