Governance structure, membership and delegations

Meetings of the full Council hold the highest authority in Council's decision-making structure. The full Council meets approximately every six to eight weeks and is chaired by the Council Chair. 

Council established six committees or the 2025-28 triennium. These include two committees of the whole Council.

The committees are focused on specific topics and were established to help Council make efficient decisions on its responsibilities to meet the environment, social, cultural and economic needs of its communities. The committees cover a range of topics including: public transport, environment, climate, finance, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations.

Council is also a member of three joint committees: Civil Defence Emergency Management Group, Wellington Regional Leadership Committee, and Wellington Water Committee.

More information about Council's committees, including memberships, can be found on the Committees page.

Council has also established a number of advisory groups. These groups support Council and provide advice on specific themes or topics, including: floodplain management plans, farming interests, and public transport. 

More information about Council's advisory bodies, including lists of the memberships, can be found on the Advisory Bodies page.

Council has delegated many of its powers to various committees or individuals. The Terms of Reference sets out the delegations.

2025-28 Terms of Reference for Council, committees and advisory bodies

Read more here

date_range Published 17 Dec 2025

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