While the full Council has the final say, it is the committees that initiate and monitor the policies.

Council committees work across a variety of areas based around land use, urban and community planning and development, infrastructure and facilities.

Policy and Planning Committee

Members:  Mayor and all councillors
Chair:  Norm Bruning (Kaimai Ward)

This committee sets out policy and plans for the future direction of Council and communities that support the Long Term Council Community Plan.

Its main role is to ensure cost effective and efficient strategies, policies and plans are developed.

Services Committee

Members:  Mayor and all councillors
Chair:  Paul Thomas (Te Puke Ward)

Formerly known as the Operations Committee, the Services Committee is tasked with ensuring the policies, strategies and plans of Council are being implemented effectively.  It primarily does this by overseeing specific projects, policies and plans in the following areas:

Transportation - roading operations including bridges, footpaths, roads (including lighting, kerb and channelling, berms), service lanes, accessways, traffic signals and signs

Utilities - wastewater treatment and disposal, water supply, stormwater disposal and solid waste (rubbish)

Local purpose parks and reserves

Community facilities - pensioner housing, libraries, public toilets, camping grounds, cemeteries

Recreational and sporting facilities - pools, halls, reserves, gardens, playgrounds, wharves, jetties, marinas and boat ramps, beaches, walkways

Council property - buildings, depots and offices

All other services and corporate functions of Council.

Sustainable Communities Committee

Members:  Mayor and councillors Norm Bruning (Kaimai Ward), Maureen Burgess (Te Puke Ward), Sue Matthews (Maketu Ward), Margaret Murray-Benge (Kaimai Ward) and Mike Williams (Katikati Ward)
Chair:  Jo Gravit (Kaimai Ward)

This is a new committee set up in recognition of the need for Council to progress work with other local and central government agencies to meet the social and cultural needs of the District's many communities.  The Sustainable Communities Committee is also responsible for focusing on climate change and environmental issues, and has responsibility to ensure development of Council's commitment to the four 'well-brings' - environmental, social, economic and cultural on behalf of its communities.

District Plan Committee

Members:  Mayor and all councillors
Chair:  Ross Goudie (Waihi Beach Ward)

This is another new committee and has been set up in recognition of the work required over the next three years (2007-2010) to undertake a full review of the District Plan.  The District Plan is the key document that enables Council to carry out its functions under the Resource Management Act (RMA).

Sub-regional Parks Committee

Members:  Mayor and councillors Jo Gravit (Kaimai Ward), Sue Matthews (Maketu Ward), also included are two co-opted members of Tauranga City Council and tangata whenua representatives from Pirirakau, Ngati Ruahine and Ngaitamarawaho
Chair:  Sam Dunlop (Katikati Ward)

The Sub-regional Parks Committee is another new committee.  Council currently has two major sub-regional parks projects underway - the TECT All Terrain Park (off State Highway 36), the main road link between Tauranga and Rotorua) and Huharua Harbour Park (Plummers Point).  Both projects represent a major commitment of Council resources into the future and in the previous Council term were included with projects under the Recreation and Leisure Committee.  The Committee will also be involved in considering other sub-regional parks projects, should they arise, with neighbouring local authorities over the next three years.

Regulatory Hearings Committee

Members:  Sam Dunlop (Katikati Ward), Ross Goudie (Waihi Beach Ward), Jo Gravit (Kaimai Ward), Margaret Murray-Benge (Kaimai Ward) and Paul Thomas (Te Puke Ward)
Chair:  Michael Jones (Te Puke Ward)

This committee makes decisions on statutory or regulatory matters, and ensures Council's statutory and regulatory functions are carried out property.

Its main role is to make decisions on matters such as resource management, animal enforcement notices, stock droving applications, regulatory hearings (building and health), bylaw administration and joint hearings.

All members are required under the Resource Management Act to hold associated qualifications to serve on this committee.