Local government in New Zealand
The model of local government introduced after New Zealand became a British colony in 1840 had nothing in common with the tribal system practised by Māori.
[3][4] The Constitution Act also allowed the creation of municipal corporations, or local governments, within provinces.
Provincial councils were dependent on central government for revenue, and all except Otago and Canterbury were in financial difficulties at the time of their abolition.
It was created on 1 November 2010 following a three-year process that began with the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance.
[15] Applications for secession from Auckland Council for the North Rodney and Waiheke Island communities have also failed.
[1][20][21] Territorial authorities manage the most direct local public services, such as water supply and sanitation, road infrastructure, and museums and libraries.
[citation needed] The Local Government Act 2002 provides for the establishment of joint committees of multiple territorial authorities for these purposes.
The external boundaries of a local authority can be changed by an Order in Council or through notice in the New Zealand Gazette.
[27] Territorial authorities manage the most direct government services, such as water supply and sanitation, local transport infrastructure, the approval of building consents, public health, and libraries, museums and recreational facilities.
[29] These boards, instituted at the behest of either local citizens or territorial authorities, advocate community views but cannot levy taxes, appoint staff, or own property.
The most recent restructuring occurred in 2001, with new legislation creating twenty-one district health boards (DHBs).
[30] The Minister has power to replace a Board considered to be performing poorly; Commissioners have been appointed on three occasions.
[34] Central government is developing a major programme of nationwide reform with the aim of rationalising the provision of services for three waters.
The reforms include complete separation of asset ownership from the existing territorial authorities.
The nationwide reform programme is being developed in partnership with local government and iwi/Māori as the Crown’s Treaty partner.
[34] Charges for water services typically represent around 40% of a rates bill in an urban area.
These entities would be managed by independent boards jointly elected by a group set up by councils and by Māori iwi (tribes).
[37][38] The opposition National and ACT parties vowed to repeal the Three Waters reforms if elected into government.
The Government also announced plans to introduce replacement legislation allowing councils to form their own groups or council-controlled organisations to manage water supply and infrastructure.
Other than Auckland Council, territorial authorities may also choose whether or not to establish one or more community boards, which form the lowest and weakest arm of local government.
Unlike for the boundaries of parliamentary electorates, which are determined by an independent commission, councils make their own representation decisions.
If a council's decision does not meet the statutory definitions of fair and effective representation then it is automatically appealed.
[53] As a result, attempts to introduce Māori wards and constituencies were defeated at several polls in New Plymouth, Palmerston North, the Western Bay of Plenty, Whakatāne, Manawatu, and Kaikōura.
[59][52] In late July 2024, the Sixth National Government passed legislation reinstating the poll provision for establishing and retaining Māori wards.
[62] In the 1895 Local Government Bill, which failed to pass, it was proposed council chairmen should be paid £400 a year.
[63] Section 15 of the Local Bodies' Proceedings and Powers Act 1953 allowed up to £750 (in 2022 equivalent to about $48,000) for Mayors of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin and £500 for the chairmen of counties.
