As an elected member of Upper Hutt City Council, you help shape the future of our city. While your role is focused on governance, not the day-to-day operations of Council, your decisions guide how we plan, invest, and grow together as a community.
Good governance means balancing short-term needs with long-term goals. It’s about ensuring Council performs well, meets our legal obligations, reflects community expectations, and responsibly manages public assets.
Council meetings
Find out about Council and its committees, panels and groups.
Learn more
Watch the videos below as we get in conversation with our Chief Executive, Geoff Swainson, on what it means to be working for Council as an elected member and what challenges you will face.
Elected members help set the strategic direction for Upper Hutt. This includes developing our Long Term Plan (LTP), which outlines Council’s services, major projects, and priorities from 2024 to 2034—and the costs involved. The LTP informs our annual plans, which Council staff then bring to life.
Your role also includes:
- allocating funding
- reviewing Council’s performance
- making decisions that reflect the views of Upper Hutt residents
- representing the best interests of Upper Hutt
- understanding our plans, strategies, bylaws, and policies
When you're elected, you carry the voice of the people.
Community representation means making decisions in the best interests of both current and future generations. It’s about building an inclusive city where everyone feels heard and considered.
What you'll be involved in
As an elected member, you’ll help make decisions that:
- shape our environment and response to climate change
- guide the future of our communities
- support economic development in Upper Hutt
- plan for infrastructure, services, and regulation needs
- manage Council-owned assets responsibly
Your day-to-day work may include:
- preparing for Council and committee meetings
- attending and voting at meetings
- participating in workshops and briefings
- listening to residents and local groups
- attending community events or public meetings
What to expect
Being an elected member is a big commitment. You’ll need to balance the role with other parts of your life, including work or family.
You’ll regularly read:
- Council reports and meeting minutes
- Plans, strategies, and policies
- Bylaws and submissions
- Expert advice and recommendations
What you'll need
Successful elected members bring a range of personal and professional skills. You'll need to:
- understand the difference between governance and Council management
- be open-minded and able to weigh different perspectives
- consider the long-term and financial impact of decisions
- manage your time and workload effectively
- embrace technology and flexible ways of working
- prioritise and collaborate well with others
Our team of elected members is made up of a Mayor and ten Councillors—this is your core team.
You’ll also work with Geoff Swainson, the Chief Executive, who leads Council staff and ensures your decisions are implemented effectively.