Unelected people to be banned from voting on council committees, Local Government Minister Simon Watts announces

New Zealand’s Local Government Minister Simon Watts announced the government will amend the Local Government Act 2002 to prohibit unelected individuals from voting on council committees. The move follows concerns from councils and the public about unelected appointees—such as iwi representatives and underage youth—holding voting rights in Far North, Tauranga, and Hastings. Watts emphasized that only elected councillors should hold voting rights, as they are directly accountable to voters. The changes will not apply to statutory committees, Treaty settlement appointments, or roles governed by laws outside the 2002 Act. Councils will have six months to review existing appointments before the new rules take effect. The policy is part of the Local Government (System Improvements) Bill currently before Parliament. Act Party leader David Seymour previously introduced a Member’s Bill to address the issue, calling it an ‘anti-democratic loophole.’ Act’s local government spokesman Cameron Luxton praised the government’s decision, stating it restores accountability for ratepayer-funded decisions. However, critics like Far North Act councillor Davina Smoulders argued that some appointments, such as those under co-governance agreements, are legally mandated and should remain exempt. The government’s decision follows national debate over whether unelected representatives should influence council decisions. While appointed members can still provide advice, their voting rights will be removed to ensure democratic legitimacy. The reforms aim to clarify that only elected officials hold decision-making authority in council committees.