Role of the Council Chair and Deputy Chair

Greater Wellington Regional Council’s Chair

The Chair is elected by councillors at the first Council meeting following the triennial election. As one of the elected councillors the Chair shares the same responsibilities as other councillors. In addition to this the Chair is:

• The presiding councillor at Council meetings. The Chair is responsible for ensuring the orderly conduct of business during meetings (as determined in the Standing Orders), and may exercise a casting vote when votes are evenly split on an issue before Council
• An advocate on behalf of the community. This role may involve promoting the community and representing its interests. Such advocacy will be most effective where it is carried out with the knowledge and support of the Council
• The ceremonial head of the Council
• Responsible for providing leadership and feedback to other councillors on teamwork and chairing of committees
• A justice of the peace (while the Chair holds office)

The Chair is obliged to follow the same rules as other councillors with respect to making public statements and committing the Council to a particular course of action, unless acting in accordance with the rules for media contact on behalf of the Council under a delegation of authority from the Council. The Chair may be removed from office by resolution of Council.

Greater Wellington Regional Council’s Deputy Chair

Like the Chair, the Deputy Chair must be elected by councillors at the first meeting following a triennial election. The Deputy Chair exercises the same roles as other councillors, and if the Chair is absent or incapacitated, the Deputy Chair must perform all of the responsibilities and duties, and may exercise the powers, of the Chair (as summarised above). The Deputy Chair may be removed from office by resolution of Council.