Register of members’ pecuniary interests

This register of pecuniary interests (Register) is published pursuant to section 54A of the Local Government Act 2022 (the Act).

The Act requires Whanganui District Council to publish a summary of elected members’ financial, business and personal interests including certain assets, business associations and gifts they have received annually. The summaries are an individual snapshot of members’ interests for the previous 12 months.

In addition to the Register, elected members may make a declaration of any interest or conflicts during a meeting according to the requirements of Local Authorities (Members' Interests) Act 1968. These are recorded in the minutes of the meeting, which are available on our website's agendas and minutes page.

Why have a Register of members’ interests?

The purpose of the Register of members’ pecuniary interests is to record members’ interests so as to provide transparency and to strengthen public trust and confidence in the council processes and decision-making. The summary is published as the Register of Pecuniary and Other Specified Interests of Whanganui Distrcit Council elected members.

How the Register works

Elected members are provided a declaration form to complete annually, once returned to the council officers a summary of the information is collated and published on our website. This Register summarises the information provided by elected members’ in their annual declarations in relation to the requirements of the Act which includes the following:

1. Company directorship and controlling interest (section 54E(1)(a));
2. Interests (such as shares and bonds) in companies or business entities (sections 54E(1)(b) and (2));
3. Employment (section 54E(1)(c));
4. Interests in trusts (section 54E(1)(d));
5. Organisations and trusts seeking Council funding (section 54E(1)(e));
6. Organisations appointed to by virtue of being an Elected Member (section 54E(1)(f));
7. Real property (section 54E(1)(g) and (1)(h));
8. Overseas travel (section 54F(1)(a));
9. Gifts (section 54F(1)(b));
10. Payments for activities (section 54F(1)(c)).