Committees

The Council comprises a Mayor and 10 elected councillors from the four wards of the South Wairarapa district.

Committee structure

South Wairarapa District Council’s committee structure is reviewed after each triennial election. To assist in the efficient running of business, the Council adopted a new Terms of Reference in November 2025.

The structure for the 2025-28 triennium includes committees of the governing body. All amendments throughout the triennium will be captured in the document.

The terms of reference for the committees set out the responsibilities that have been delegated by the Council.

Noted that Mayor Wilde is ex officio on all internal committees.

Click on the links below for more information about the Terms of Reference and meetings.

Committee membership

Māori Partnership Committee

  • At least one, but up to two Councillors appointed by Council in discussion with the chair of the Committee.
  • Two representatives from each of the three South Wairarapa Marae (Kohunui Marae, Papawai Marae and Hau Ariki Marae).
  • Two representatives from Pae Tū Mōkai o Tauira.
  • One representative from Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa.
  • One representative from Rangitāne o Wairarapa.
  • The Mayor of South Wairarapa (ex officio).
  • Up to one youth representative in an advocacy role.

Infrastructure Committee

Councillors Aidan Ellims (Chair), Collier Isaacs, Martin Bosley, Rachel Clarke and Deputy Mayor Rob Taylor. (Deputy Chair to be confirmed)

Risk & Assurance Committee

Mr Bruce Robertson (Independent Chair), Deputy Mayor Rob Taylor (Deputy Chair), Councillors Chris Archer, Martin Bosley and Collier Isaacs.

People & Performance Committee

Mayor Fran Wilde (Chair), Deputy Mayor Rob Taylor (Deputy Chair), Councillors Martin Bosley and Collier Issacs.

District Licensing Committee

Catherine Rossiter-Stead (appointed to March 2027), Deputy Mayor Rob Taylor (Deputy Chair)

Environmental Sustainability Committee

Councillors Rachel Clarke (Chair), Collier Isaacs, Andrea Rutene (Deputy Chair), Rupert Watson and Deputy Mayor Rob Taylor.

Economic Growth Committee

Councillors Chris Archer (Chair), Andrea Rutene, Simone Baker, Collier Issacs (Deputy Chair) and Rupert Watson.

Social Resilience Committee

Councillors Simone Baker (Chair), Chris Archer, Rupert Watson (Deputy Chair) and Deputy Mayor Rob Taylor.

Delegated powers

Some committees are delegated powers necessary for them to fulfil their terms of reference. Refer to the terms of reference for committees for details of delegated powers.

Waitī Waters

Local Water Done Well (LWDW) is central government’s plan to address New Zealand’s water
infrastructure challenges. Reliable and safe water services to communities will be provided within
new regulatory framework, focused on meeting economic, environmental and water quality needs.

South Wairarapa, Carterton, Masterton and Tararua District Councils have collectively established a
Council-Controlled Organisation, Waitī Waters, in partnership with Rangitāne and Ngāti Kahungunu,
to provide water infrastructure and services for current and future generations.

Waitī Waters will begin the delivery of South Wairarapa’s water services from 1 July 2027.

The transition to the new entity is being managed by a Water Transition Team who are working
across the four Councils in various workstreams to ensure the organisation is operational before 1
July 2027.

All Mayor and Councillor appointments

Click here to view this information.