Candidate Learning Hub: Get Election-Ready!

Prepare for Your Local Government Journey with Ākona

Considering standing for council in the upcoming elections? The South Taranaki District Council is pleased to introduce Ākona, LGNZ's new "Behind the Scenes" resource hub for prospective council candidates. These materials provide valuable insights into council operations and responsibilities.

What's available to you

Our free, comprehensive learning package gives you a clear picture of local government roles and responsibilities. These resources will help you make an informed decision about standing:

Informative video series

Three concise videos covering:

Local government structure and functions
The different roles within councils
Council funding and financial management

Comprehensive e-learning modules

Part 1: Stepping into local leadership

Council functions and governance frameworks
Key responsibilities of elected members
Community engagement and representation
Collaborative decision-making processes
Ethical standards and legal obligations
Council meeting procedures

Part 2: Practical aspects of being an elected member

Insights from current and former elected members
Time management and work-life balance
Community safety and wellbeing planning
Typical activities and responsibilities

How to access these resources

All materials are freely available on our new Ākona guest platform. Any New Zealander can explore these resources - no registration required.

We encourage you to share this resource with anyone in your community who might be interested in local government. Better informed candidates lead to stronger representation.