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March 17, 2026
#regional: Local Government: Appointments confirmed to Age and Accessibility Working Party and Te Huinga Taumatua
Matthew Tukaki
Posted On March 17, 2026
New appointments have been confirmed to two key advisory groups focused on accessibility, ageing and Māori partnership in local governance.
The Age and Accessibility Working Party and Te Huinga Taumatua have both welcomed new members, strengthening the groups responsible for advising council leadership on issues affecting older residents, disabled people and the wider community.
The Age and Accessibility Working Party plays a role in monitoring council policies and projects that relate to accessibility and age-friendly planning. The group works to ensure the needs of older people and those living with disabilities are considered in areas such as public facilities, transport access, housing and urban design.
Community representatives appointed to the working party bring experience from the disability, health and ageing sectors. Their role is to provide practical advice and community insight so that council initiatives reflect the realities faced by older residents and people living with disabilities.
Alongside the working party appointments, new members have also been confirmed for Te Huinga Taumatua. The group provides a forum for engagement between council leadership and iwi, ensuring Māori perspectives are included in discussions about strategy, planning and long-term development.
Te Huinga Taumatua is intended to strengthen relationships between local government and mana whenua while supporting decision-making that reflects Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations and the aspirations of Māori communities.
Council leaders say both groups play an important role in shaping policy and improving outcomes across the district. The Age and Accessibility Working Party provides a direct channel for community voices to influence decisions about inclusive infrastructure and services, while Te Huinga Taumatua supports collaboration with iwi on matters affecting whenua, culture and community wellbeing.
The newly appointed members are expected to begin their roles immediately, contributing to upcoming meetings and work programmes focused on accessibility, inclusion and partnership.
Local government officials say the appointments reflect a continued commitment to ensuring diverse voices are represented in decision-making, particularly those of older residents, disabled communities and Māori stakeholders.
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