Local Government in New Zealand
Alongside central government, New Zealand also has a local government system which is responsible for promoting the social, cultural, environmental and economic well-being of communities.
Community-level democracy
New Zealand’s local government sector is made up of 11 regional councils, 13 city councils and 54 district councils.
Regional councils are responsible for managing resources, biosecurity control, river management, flood control, controlling erosion, regional land transport planning and civil defence in the event of an emergency.
District and city councils are responsible for community well-being and development, environmental health and safety, infrastructure, recreation and culture, and resource management.
Councillors and mayors are elected officials. If you are registered as a parliamentary elector, you can vote in the local government elections. Voting is usually by postal ballot.
Further information
You can find out much more about how local government works at the Local Government New Zealand website: http://www.lgnz.co.nz/
