Community Boards Functions,Duties & Powers Policy

Policies

1.0    Purpose

1.1 The purpose of this policy is:

  • 1.1.1 To outline the functions, duties and powers of the Timaru District Community Boards as determined by the Timaru District Council; and
  • 1.1.2 To enable the Geraldine, Pleasant Point and Temuka Community Boards to achieve their purpose as set out in Section 52 of the Local Government Act 2002 (LGA).

2.0    Background

2.1 As determined by the Local Government Commission there are three communities in the Timaru District represented by Community Boards:

  • 2.1.1 Geraldine community, comprising the area of the Geraldine Ward;
  • 2.1.2 Pleasant Point Community, comprising the area delineated on Survey Office (SO) Plan 19946 deposited with Land Information NZ; and
  • 2.1.3 Temuka Community, comprising the area delineated on SO Plan 19949 deposited with Land Information NZ.

2.2 The membership of each Community Board is as follows:

  • 2.2.1 Geraldine Community Board comprises six elected members and one member appointed to the Board by Council representing Geraldine Ward.
  • 2.2.2 Pleasant Point Community Board comprises five elected members and two members appointed to the Board by Council representing Pleasant Point – Temuka Ward.
  • 2.2.3 Temuka Community Board comprises five elected members and two members appointed to the Board by Council representing Pleasant Point – Temuka Ward.

3.0    Key Definitions

Community Board – as defined by Section 5 of the LGA.
Elected Member

  • a) in relation to a Community Board, means a member appointed to that board or elected to that board under the Local Electoral Act 2001;
  • b) in relation to Council, means a member of the governing body of the territorial authority elected under the Local Electoral Act 2001, including the mayor.

4.0    Functions and Duties

4.1 The functions and duties of a Community Board, as determined by section 52 of the LGA, is to:

  • 4.1.1 Represent, and act as an advocate for, the interests of its community; and
  • 4.1.2 Consider and report on all matters referred by the Timaru District Council, or any matter of interest or concern to the Community Boards; and
  • 4.1.3 Provide an overview of Council activities within the respective Community Board area; and
  • 4.1.4 Provide input into Council’s annual plan process relating to expenditure in the particular Community Board area and to recommend the prioritisation of items where appropriate; and
  • 4.1.5 Communicate with community groups in the  Community Board area:
    • to convey to Council the views of the residents in the community; and
    • to convey to community groups the aims, objectives, and activities of the Council and the Boards.

5.0    Powers

5.1 The Chair of a Community Board shall have the power:

  • 5.1.1 To call Board meetings and workshops.

5.2  The Boards shall have the power:

  • 5.2.1 To request a report from Council officers to enable the Boards to undertake any of their functions;
  • 5.2.2 To make recommendations on appropriate policy issues to be referred to Council or the appropriate Standing Committee, as determined by the Chief Executive or Group Manager;
  • 5.2.3 Where a community rate has been established, to determine how the monies so collected will be spent, in accordance with the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002; and
  • 5.2.4 To make recommendations to the Public Trustee on Thomas Hobson Trust grant applications (Geraldine and Temuka Community Boards only).
  • 5.2.5.To carry out any other functions, duties or powers delegated to the Community Board by Council.

Adopted by Timaru District Council 19 May 2020

Last updated: 24 Feb 2021