Territorial authorities of New Zealand

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NZ Regional Councils and Territorial Authorities 2017

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Territorial authorities of New Zealand are the second tier of local government in New Zealand, below regional councils. There are 67 territorial authorities: 13 city councils, 53 district councils, and the Chatham Islands Council. Territorial authorities manage the local infrastructure, including roads and water supplies, and regulate activities such as building construction and environmental protection. They also provide local services such as parks, libraries, and community centers.

Overview

Territorial authorities are created by and operate under the Local Government Act 2002 and the Local Electoral Act 2001. They are responsible for providing local infrastructure and services, including water, sewerage, waste management, roads, libraries, parks, and recreational facilities. They also have regulatory responsibilities, such as building consents, resource consents (under the Resource Management Act 1991), and environmental health.

Types of Territorial Authorities

There are two types of territorial authorities in New Zealand:

• City Councils: Generally, city councils govern urban areas with a population of more than 50,000 people. There are 13 city councils in New Zealand, including the Auckland Council, which is unique due to its status as a unitary authority, performing the functions of both a city council and a regional council.

• District Councils: District councils govern smaller urban, rural, and sometimes coastal areas. There are 53 district councils in New Zealand. District councils typically cover larger geographical areas than city councils but often have smaller populations.

• Chatham Islands Council: This is a special territorial authority for the Chatham Islands, which lies east of the main New Zealand archipelago. It has similar powers to a district council but also some unique provisions due to its remote location.

Governance

Each territorial authority is governed by an elected council, headed by a mayor or, in the case of the Chatham Islands Council, a chairperson. Council members and mayors are elected every three years using the First Past the Post (FPP) or the Single Transferable Vote (STV) electoral system.

Functions and Responsibilities

Territorial authorities have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Infrastructure and property services such as roads, water supply, and community facilities
• Environmental management, including waste disposal and recycling
• Building and resource consents
• Emergency management
• Community development and recreational facilities
• Regulation and enforcement, including environmental health and liquor licensing

Funding

Territorial authorities are primarily funded through rates, which are taxes levied on property owners based on the value of their property. They also receive funding from the New Zealand government for specific purposes, such as road maintenance and public transport, and can charge fees for certain services, such as building consents and water supply.

Challenges and Issues

Territorial authorities in New Zealand face various challenges, including managing growth in population and urban development, infrastructure funding and maintenance, environmental protection, and adapting to climate change. The balance between development and sustainability, as well as between local autonomy and national standards, is a constant theme in the governance and operation of territorial authorities.