[1] The district consists of the city of Gisborne and a largely rural region on the east coast of the North Island.

Under the elected members, there is an appointed chief executive officer, 4 department managers and approximately 250 staff.

The council chambers and main administration centre is in Fitzherbert Street, in the Whataupoko suburb, just across the Taruheru River from the Gisborne Central business district.

Gisborne District Council was established on 1 November 1989 as part of a major nationwide reform of local government.

[8] In late September 2023, the Gisborne District Council attracted significant domestic media attention after an animal control officer accidentally euthanised a pet dog named "Sarge" with a bolt gun, having mistaken him for another impounded dog.