A Day in the Life of a WDC Councillor
Published on 05 July 2022
The Waitaki District Councillors are voted in by you, but they also are you. Your elected representatives are active and contributing members of local government.
Are you thinking about standing for election? To give you a bit more of an idea about what the position entails, we asked our current Councillors a few questions.
How have things changed as a Councillor since the Covid-19 pandemic?
“We are set up nicely to be able to contribute over zoom should we not be able to physically attend meetings. This does give the job a lot more flexibility for those with other commitments.”
What is the hardest part of being a WDC councillor?
“Social media opinion when it revolves around the posting of inaccurate information. And if you try to offer information to rectify said misinformation, you’re generally attacked by more misinformation.”
“The occasional personal criticism. Usually from people who would not take office themselves.”
“Volume of reading to work through and understand, and hours spent in meetings.”
As an elected member, what is your proudest moment?
“I am so proud to be part of this team of elected members. We all get on brilliantly, and genuinely care about the district and its people, and we aren’t afraid to make difficult decisions, no matter how those decisions might affect our political popularity.”
“Getting elected then taking the oath promising to work for the whole district.”
“Representing Waitaki at events outside of the district.”
What advice would you give a newcomer?
“Come into this with an open mind, and while having a list of things you would like to see achieved is commendable, the reality is you may find this is not as easy as you think it should be! A council does not operate like a normal commercial organisation, there is a process for everything, and that process takes time.”
“Always go at an issue with an “open mind” and be yourself”
“It is a big job, take your time to grow into what being a Councillor requires.”
One final bit of encouragement from one of our councillors:
“There is more to being a Councillor than you can possibly imagine before your Election, so take a deep breath and prepare for the onslaught of a lot of information on a wide range of Council matters. Good luck!!’
To find out more about standing for council, click here