Taupō District Council

Taupō General Ward
The Taupō 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 12 councillors and the mayor. Councillors are elected to represent wards (areas in the district). seven councillors will be elected from the Taupō ward. 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 Taupō 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.

  • Ensure the elected members and in particular the mayor's office are accessible and open to the entire community.

    Work towards positioning Taupō as a strong district in light of significant changes and likely reforms pending for local government.

  • Encourage regular consultation, surveys, forums and town hall meetings so local voices are heard and influence council planning.

    Enhance engagement with Tuwharetoa to ensure Māori voices and aspirations are included in council decisions.

    Review council size and role reforms periodically to ensure structures are efficient, responsive and meet community needs.

  • Advertise every time there is a Taupo District Council meeting to encourage people to come along and get involved, using the paper and not just online.

    Drop the division and plan as one people in this multicultural town, not just a Māori board with too high expectations, and involve DOC.

    Prevent TWTB from gaining any more control as the Treaty of Waitangi is for all people living in NZ, not just one race.

  • Ensure council staff work as public servants for the community, which does not happen often enough in this district.

    Ensure elected members set the direction of council rather than the staff, which is currently not the case in this district.

    Hold monthly council meetings in the evenings to enable easier public attendance.

  • Ensure the elected members and in particular the mayor's office are accessible and open to the entire community.

    Work towards positioning Taupō as a strong district in light of significant changes and likely reforms pending for local government.

  • Encourage regular consultation, surveys, forums and town hall meetings so local voices are heard and influence council planning.

    Enhance engagement with Tuwharetoa to ensure Māori voices and aspirations are included in council decisions.

    Review council size and role reforms periodically to ensure structures are efficient, responsive and meet community needs.

  • Advertise every time there is a Taupo District Council meeting to encourage people to come along and get involved, using the paper and not just online.

    Drop the division and plan as one people in this multicultural town, not just a Māori board with too high expectations, and involve DOC.

    Prevent TWTB from gaining any more control as the Treaty of Waitangi is for all people living in NZ, not just one race.

  • Ensure council staff work as public servants for the community, which does not happen often enough in this district.

    Ensure elected members set the direction of council rather than the staff, which is currently not the case in this district.

    Hold monthly council meetings in the evenings to enable easier public attendance.