News and information – Elections 101: What is it like to be elected?
Not your average job. We are talking about becoming mayor, councilor or community council member.
What do these roles even do?
These roles make up the 16 elected members who represent the city’s residents and taxpayers on Council. Their job is to shape the city and work with the community.
Every three years, people vote for a councilor to represent their ward and elect 15 councilors and a mayor. Residents of Tawa and Mākara/Ōhāriu also vote to elect six members to their local community councils.
For the first time, voters registered on the Maori list will vote in the new Maori piece. Each councilor has the ability to represent a ward, but you don’t need to live in that ward to defend it.
To be eligible for the Council, you must be over 18, a New Zealand citizen and registered to vote. You don’t need any formal qualifications to be an elected member – rather it’s about the skills and abilities you can bring to the table.
So what are you going to do as an elected member?
The mayor and councilors are responsible for:
- Prepare and adopt the long-term plan, the annual plan and the annual report
- Establishment of tariffs and regulations
- Define strategies, policies and plans
- Organizations controlled by the Board of Directors
- Consult and take into account the views of the community
- Board performance monitoring and review
Your job will be to voice the opinions of your community and plan for Wellington’s future.
What skills are needed for the job?
We are looking for people from all walks of life who want to serve their community to stand for election to Council. However, some attributes can help run a campaign and fulfill the role:
- Cultural awareness
- Strategic thinking
- Knowledge and understanding of your council and local government
- Relationship building and collaboration
- Quality decision making
- political sense
- Communication and commitment
- Knowledge and understanding of your community
- Leadership
If you have what it takes, complete and submit a nomination form by noon on August 12, 2022. Learn more on our webpage.