Council committees

Independent Chairperson: Rachael Dean

Membership: The Mayor, all Councillors and Māori Representative

Meeting Frequency: Quarterly

Purpose

The Risk and Audit Committee provides independent oversight of Council’s risk management, internal controls, audit processes, and compliance systems. It supports Council in fulfilling its governance responsibilities under the Local Government Act 2002 and promotes transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement across Council operations.

Terms of Reference

Risk And Audit Committee

Chairperson: As Appointed

Membership: With up to three sitting at any one time (including the Chairperson, if required.)

Meeting Frequency: As required

Purpose

To undertake certain hearings under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA), unless otherwise reserved by full Council.

Terms of Reference

RMA Hearings

Chairperson: Cr Linda Webb

Deputy Chairperson: Cr Phil Rutherford

Membership: The Mayor, all Councillors and Māori Representative

Meeting Frequency: As required

Purpose

To conduct fair and effective hearings and make determinations or recommendations on the Council’s regulatory functions under legislation and other matters as referred to the Committee as set out below. 

Terms of Reference

Regulatory Hearings Committee

Chairperson: Deputy Mayor Shayne Barry

Deputy Chairperson: Cr Toni O'Keefe

Membership: The Mayor, all Councillors and Māori Representative

Meeting Frequency: Quarterly

Purpose

The Community Committee provides strategic oversight of Council’s community funding initiatives, as outlined in the Long-Term Plan and Annual Plan, and upholds Council’s commitment to the four well-beings. It also supports Council-appointed subcommittees—such as those overseeing reserves, halls, and creative initiatives—by providing governance oversight to strengthen their effectiveness, ensure alignment with Council’s strategic priorities, and promote transparent, accountable operations.

Terms of Reference

Community Committee

Chairperson: Mayor Chris Russell

Deputy Chairperson: Deputy Mayor Shayne Barry

Membership: The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and One Councillor

Meeting Frequency: Annually as required

Purpose

The Chief Executive Review and Performance Committee is responsible for acting for and advising Council on matters pertaining to the employment and performance of the Council’s Chief Executive Officer.

Terms of Reference

CE Review And Performance Committee

Chairperson: Anthony Fortune

Deputy Chairperson: Cr Linda Webb

Membership: Inangahua Community Board

Meeting Frequency: Bi monthly

Purpose

1. The purpose of these delegations is to give effect to the local community empowerment model which is a partnership approach to the governance of the District that will primarily be delivered through the Inangahua community board.
2. The intent of these delegations is to delegate authority and, as far as possible, responsibility to the Inangahua community board to allow the community board to effectively govern and provide recommendations to the Buller District Council regarding local issues associated with their areas.
3. In making these delegations the Council recognises that it is ultimately responsible for the governance of the district and therefore retains the right to set minimum standards and to review community board recommendations associated with the exercise of these delegations.
4. In making these delegations the Council undertakes to:
   • Provide for and give consideration to community board input into significant governance decisions affecting the respective community board area.

Terms of reference

Inangahua Community Board