Local government in New Zealand

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Local government in New Zealand refers to the system of administrative divisions that manage local affairs and services within the country. Local government is responsible for a range of services and functions, including urban planning, public transport, water supply, waste management, and community services.

Structure

Local government in New Zealand is divided into two main types of authorities: regional councils and territorial authorities.

Regional Councils

Regional councils are responsible for managing natural resources, environmental planning, and regional transport. There are 11 regional councils in New Zealand, each covering a large geographic area.

Territorial Authorities

Territorial authorities are responsible for local services such as water supply, sewage, local roads, and community facilities. There are 67 territorial authorities, which include 13 city councils and 54 district councils. Some areas have unitary authorities, which combine the functions of regional and territorial authorities.

Functions

Local governments in New Zealand have a range of responsibilities, including:

• Urban planning and development
• Public transport management
• Water supply and sewage treatment
• Waste management and recycling
• Community services such as libraries, parks, and recreational facilities
• Environmental protection and resource management

Funding

Local governments are funded through a combination of property taxes, user charges, and government grants. The primary source of revenue is the property tax, known as rates, which is levied on property owners based on the value of their property.

Elections

Local government elections are held every three years. Voters elect mayors, councillors, and other local representatives. The elections use a mixed-member proportional representation system, which aims to ensure proportional representation of political parties.

Related Pages

• Government of New Zealand
• Politics of New Zealand
• Public transport in New Zealand
• Urban planning in New Zealand
• Environmental protection in New Zealand