Palmerston North City Council Candidates Information Booklet

22THE COUNCILThe Palmerston North City Council consists of a Mayor and 15 Councillors. These positionsare subject to election every three years.Ultimate responsibility for all the City Council’s activities rests with the Council. The Councildecides the range of services and activities to be provided, sets the policy for these servicesand activities, delegates the implementation of these to the staff and monitors theirperformance.While the Council has at times considerable freedom and opportunity to exercise its initiativein deciding its aims and policies, it must do this within the laws, regulations and requirementsset down by the central government.As well as providing services itself, the Council may collaborate or contract with outsideagencies for services to be provided. The Council also assists many other organisationsthrough membership, technical services, advice and financial grants.To fulfil these responsibilities, the Mayor and Councillors maintain a wide range of contacts,representing the City on many organisations.Decision-making for Council policy and general control of City operations occurs through aprogramme of formal meetings. The Council, its standing committees and some subcommitteesmeet regularly, and special purpose working parties and advisory groups meetas required.Jointly, elected members have the responsibility for making decisions to be implemented bythe staff. As a general rule, members will be concerned with matters of policy and principle,leaving the day-to-day administration of the Council’s affairs to staff. Staff are accountableto the Council for effective and efficient performance.64 Palmerston North City Council Elections 2013