Democracy and Participation Reference Group
The Democracy and Participation Reference Group (DPRG) assists the local government sector to achieve high standards in the conduct of democracy services and governance support activity.
Responsibilities
- Monitor the environment within which local authorities operate for relevant issues impacting on the democracy and governance support function including proposed legislative change and developments in overseas jurisdictions
- Prepare and present submissions to appropriate organisations and Ministers representing local government sector concerns from a management and operational perspective.
- Provide advice to local authorities on issues within the Group’s area of focus. This may involve the preparation of good practice guidance, tools and training.
- Participate in programmes that build community understanding of, and capacity to contribute to, the local democratic process.
- Participate in, or undertake, national programmes to help promote awareness of and participation in the democratic process, subject to the approval of the Chief Executive.
- Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with the local government sector and other organisations that have related interests.
View/download the Democracy and Governance Support Working Party Terms of Reference.
Current Members
Chair
David Ward, Chief Executive – Selwyn District Council
Members
Jenni Cochrane, Communications Manager – Matamata-Piako District Council
Naell Crosby-Roe, Governance and Stakeholder Services Manager – Queenstown Lakes District Council
Carol Hayward, Team Leader Operations and Policy – Auckland Council
Courtney Hayward, Community and Engagement Manager – Wairoa District Council
Janice McDougall, Group Manager People and Partnerships – Kāpiti Coast District Council
Julie Straka, Governance Lead – New Plymouth District Council
Hannah White, Democracy Governance Manager – Palmerston North City Council
Rebecca Williams, Community Development Advisor – Central Otago District Council