The councillors are elected from three wards: five from the Ashburton ward, and two each from the Eastern and Western wards. The mayor is elected at-large.
Western Ward: Deputy Mayor Liz McMillan, Rodger Letham
Eastern Ward: Lynette Lovett, Stuart Wilson
Ashburton Ward: Leen Braam, Carolyn Cameron, John Falloon, Angus McKay, Diane Rawlinson[1]
Community boards
Methven Community Board: Dan McLaughlin, Sonia McAlpine, Kelvin Holmes, Rodger Letham, Liz McMillan, Ron Smith[1]
History
The council was formed in 1989, replacing the Ashburton County Council established in 1878.[2][3][4]
In 2020, the council had 307 staff, including 43 earning more than $100,000. According to the right-wing Taxpayers' Union think tank, residential rates averaged $2,336.[5]