Local government can sometimes feel complicated from the outside. Whakatāne District Council’s newly released Local Governance Statement 2026/27 (the Statement) is designed to make it clearer - taking people behind the scenes at Council to explain how it works, how decisions are made, and how communities can get involved.
Chief Executive Steven Perdia says the Statement helps demystify local government and connects everyday services with the decisions that support them.
“The Council plays a practical role in everyday life - from drinking water supply, wastewater, roads, parks, libraries and solid waste services, through to planning for the district’s future, managing development and protecting the environment,” Mr Perdia says.
“Behind all of that is a simple purpose: making sure Whakatāne District remains a great place to live, work, raise a family and do business.”
The Statement explains the roles of the Mayor and councillors, who set the direction for the district and make key decisions on behalf of communities, alongside the role of Council staff in providing advice, delivering services and carrying out those decisions.
“My role, together with Council staff, is to support elected members, manage significant public assets and deliver the services people rely on every day,” Mr Perdia says.
“Strong local democracy relies on people understanding how decisions are made and having real opportunities to be involved.”
Required under the Local Government Act 2002 and updated following each local government election, the Local Governance Statement brings together information about:
• How Council is structured
• The roles and responsibilities of elected members and staff
• How decisions are made openly and transparently
• How people can have their say and engage with Council
“If you want to understand how the Council works, how to get involved, or simply how things get done locally, this document is a really good place to start."
The Local Governance Statement 2026/27 is available at whakatane.govt.nz/about-council/governance/local-governance-statement.
ENDS