It includes the city of New Plymouth and smaller towns such as Inglewood, Ōakura and Waitara.

[4] Every three years, the Mayor, 14 councillors and 20 community board members are elected by the New Plymouth District’s enrolled voters.

The full council, subcommittees and standing committees meet on a six-weekly cycle.

There are five community boards – Clifton, Waitara, Inglewood and Kaitake and Puketapu-Bell – as well as the subcommittees and working parties.

The Chief Executive and approximately 530 full-time equivalent staff provide advice and information to the elected members and the public, implement council decisions and manage the district’s day-to-day operations.

[10] The district's day to day operations include maintaining more than 110 parks and reserves, waste water management and issuing consents and permits, through to providing libraries and other recreational services and ensuring the district’s eateries meet health standards.