About local government
There are 85 city, district and regional councils in New Zealand local government. All councils are governed by members of the local community who are elected every three years. These mayors and councillors make decisions on their communities’ behalf, with council management and staff responsible for implementing them. Council funding is largely through rates on the property of homeowners and commercial building owners.
Central government makes some contributions for specific purposes and local projects (mainly roading), and income can be derived from council investment in things such as airports, port authorities and forests. New Zealand councils are not directly responsible for services such as local hospitals, schools, police and the fire service. However, councils work closely with central government, other organisations, public bodies, businesses and citizens to help achieve community well-being. Altogether, more than 25,000 people are employed in a wide range of occupations in local government. Councils have a net worth of $67.2 billion (June 2005).
What councils do
Councils provide a huge range of services – from the basics of maintaining an efficient infrastructure of roads and pipes, to providing community facilities such as libraries, museums and parks.
For an overview, click on the activity area:
The level of service is largely determined by local communities, who set their priorities through a mandated consultation process with their council called the Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP). The LTCCP was established under the Local Government Act 2002, which ensures that councils consult and report to their communities in a clear and accountable way. Services and projects can vary widely from one council to another. One community might see water supply as a priority; another might believe traffic management is important. Much will depend on a council's location and size, development and growth patterns, and population profile.