About local government

There are 85 city, district and regional councils in New Zealand local government. All councils are governed by members of the local community who are elected every three years. These mayors and councillors make decisions on their communities’ behalf, with council management and staff responsible for implementing them. Council funding is largely through rates on the property of homeowners and commercial building owners. Central government makes some contributions for specific purposes and local projects (mainly roading), and income can be derived from council investment in things such as airports, port authorities and forests. New Zealand councils are not directly responsible for services such as local hospitals, schools, police and the fire service. However, councils work closely with central government, other organisations, public bodies, businesses and citizens to help achieve community well-being. Altogether, more than 25,000 people are employed in a wide range of occupations in local government. Councils have a net worth of $67.2 billion (June 2005).

For a summary of what councils do and how they are established, go to What councils do.

The buttons at the top of each page on this site link to a series of case studies to try to provide you with real-life information on what it is like to work in a council.