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3.2 Structure and Role of Local Government
Authors: P FordycePublication: NZIF Forestry Handbook, Volume Section 3 – Regulation of forestry activities, pp 2, Dec 2023
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry
Abstract: There are 86 councils in New Zealand: 12 regional councils, 4 unitary authorities (which act as both regional and district/city councils), and 70 district/city councils. In general, regional councils look after air, water, soil, the coast and discharges. District/city councils look after land use, noise and subdivisions. Central government has delegated functions to the councils primarily under the Local Government Act 2002 (LGA). However there are other statutes that delegate specific functions to councils. By way of example the following acts are relevant: Resource Management Act 1991, the Biosecurity Act 1993, Dog Control and Hydatids Act 1982, the Building Act 1991, and The Health Act 1956.