Being an elected member

The mayoral position is Porirua’s only full-time role while councillor positions are a part-time role. You may often work outside the normal working hours, such as in the evenings and on weekends.

Time management skills are therefore essential and representing the view of Porirua’s community requires a lot of preparation.

You will be expected to read:

• agendas and minutes
• strategies, policies, bylaws and plans
• reports
• submissions received from the community
• expert advice and recommendations
• various other materials.

This means you need to be flexible, prioritise tasks and manage your time effectively.

You need to make use of a range of sources when making good decisions. You will receive advice from Council staff and experts, listen to the views of your community and consider your own experiences and opinions when making decisions as an elected member.

You will need to be able to:

• consider opposing views
• consider any economic, social or long-term consequences of decisions
• keep an open mind.

A large part of the role will involve the use of technology, so you should confidently know how to:

• use emails and Zoom
• use a smartphone, computer and/or tablet
• connect and be comfortable using the internet.

You will often be in the public eye as part of your role. Attending events as a representative of Council, speaking publicly at meetings and providing comments to the media on occasion are all important aspects of the role.

You will need to be able to:

• listen and relate to the people you represent
• empathise with the community
• consider their views in your decision-making.

You should be able to confidently communicate your own views and opinions when speaking publicly and when engaging with the public.

A large part of the role involves building and maintaining productive relationships and networks in the different communities you come across.

You should be willing to respectfully engage with people from different cultures, upbringings and disciplines.

Knowledge of local iwi, te ao Māori and tikanga is an asset to being an effective elected member. Porirua City Council is committed to meeting our responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi | the Treaty of Waitangi, our broader statutory obligations to Māori and developing our growing partnership with Māori.

• promoting a vision for Porirua
• providing leadership to achieve the vision
• ensuring effective engagement between Council and our community
• leading in developing Council’s plans, policies, strategies, bylaws and budgets
• establishing committees of Council and appointing a chairperson for each
• appointing the deputy mayor.

• attending Council and committee meetings, and workshops with Council staff and external parties
• reading reports and agendas, and conducting other meeting preparation work
• engaging with the public by attending events and public meetings, and liaising with residents and community groups.