3.3 Declarations at start of term
All elected members must make an oral declaration when taking office in the following form:
Declaration statement
"I, AB, declare that I will faithfully and impartially, and according to the best of my skill and judgement, execute and perform, the best interests of (region or district), the powers, authorities, and duties vested in, or imposed upon, me as (mayor, chairperson or member) of the (local authority) by virtue of the Local Government Act 2002, the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 or any other Act" [1].
This public declaration highlights the high standards elected members must follow. They are responsible for making decisions in the best interests of the whole community. This includes the entire Auckland region for Governing Body members and the whole local board area for local board members.
Register of interests
To maintain transparency and public trust and confidence in un-biased council decision-making the Code of Conduct requires all elected members to declare their general and financial interests by February each year. These are recorded in the council’s Register of Interests.
Each declaration should set out the member’s interests, including:
- company directorships and controlling interests
- shares and bonds in companies and business entities
- any employment and/or contracts
- beneficial interests in trusts
- membership of community organisations
- appointments to outside entities
- interests in land, debtors, creditors, travel costs paid by third parties
- Gifts and/or donations (including hospitality) received over $100 in value
- discharged debts over $500 paid by other parties (refer to the policy for existing limits).
Visit Search elected members' register of interests for more information.
Footnotes
Straight Connector 3, Shape[1] Local Government Act 2002 Schedule 7, Part 1, Clause 14.