All Invercargill City councillors have been added to the Risk and Assurance Committee as of November 1.
Mayor Tom Campbell, who was absent at today’s meeting (October 27), recommended that the changes be made in light of the statutory changes that will take effect in 2027 relating to the voting rights of appointed members.
The Government announced in July that the Local Government Act would be changed to prevent non-elected members voting on council committees.
Four non-elected committee members will lose their voting rights under the proposed legislation changes - from March 18, 2027.
Those include mana land representative Mike Bain, water committee deputy chair Lee Babe, risk and assurance committee chair Ross Jackson and risk and assurance committee member Lesley Soper.
Cr Ria Bond was also appointed to the Water Committee to ensure it has sufficient numbers for the current work load, with the Independent Member Lee Babe and Matua Mike Bain both set to be unable to vote from early 2027.
Cr Andrea de Vries suggested that there be two elected members on the water committee, since the Government was removing the function of the voting members.
“That upholds better democratic function,” she said.
Deputy Mayor Grant Dermody, who was chairing the meeting, said it was a fair point, noting that while those members lose their voting powers, they still added value.
“They certainly have a level of influence.”
Manager governance Michael Morris said that was his intention for the report on November 2, to present options for council to make a decision as to what exception it will apply for.
“Because there is a process to seek approval for appointed members to continue to be able to vote.”
He has also sought feedback from local runaka seeking their guidance and feedback going forward.
The exception process has to be lodged by November 18, so there will be an extraordinary meeting on November 2 to decide that.