About Local Government
Every day all of us are affected in some way by decisions our city, district or regional council has made. The work of our local authorities is essential to the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of our communities.
While Parliament is elected to deal with issues relevant to New Zealand and its people as a nation, local government enables democratic local decision-making.
Local government makes decisions about local issues and services, having regard to local needs and priorities.
This recognises that not all communities are the same, nor do they have the same issues.
There are 85 local authorities in New Zealand - regional, city and district councils – between them representing all areas of New Zealand.
We have –- 12 regional councils;
- 16 city councils (these councils have a population greater than 50,000 and are largely urban);
- 57 district councils; and
- 73 territorial authorities.
Five of the territorial authorities also have the powers of a regional council - these are sometimes referred to as “unitary authorities”. New Zealand has more than 1,000 elected councillors and mayors, and around 800 community board members.
Local Government Affects You Daily
Many of your everyday activities are dependent on services provided by your local city, district or regional council.
These range from water flowing freely from your taps, applying for a building permit, finding a car park so you can borrow books from the library, taking your nieces and nephews to the park, putting out the rubbish for collection, to walking your dog at night along well-lit streets.
Other important local government activities include -
- Writing and managing plans for your area's development, including management of the natural and urban environment.
- Making bylaws and enforcing them.
- Participating in community partnerships and initiatives such as reducing crime, increasing jobs or access to housing.
- Civil defence planning and emergency preparedness.
Local councils' economic contribution to New Zealand
Together our local authorities (both the regional councils and the territorial authorities) make a significant contribution to New Zealand’s economy. Altogether, councils accounted for the following:
| Contribution to New Zealand's gross domestic product (as at June 2002) | 2.8% of the total GDP |
|---|---|
| Net worth of combined councils - 2006 | $75.0 billion |
| Annual (Operating) Income - 2006 | $5.4 billion |
| Annual Operating Expenditure - 2006 | $5.3 billion |
| Annual Capital Expenditure - 2005 | $2.134 billion |
| Infrastructual Assets - 2006 | $69.4 billion, including owning approximately 88% of the country's roads |
| Employed - 2006 | 41,190 people (approximately 2.2% of all people employed in New Zealand) |
