New Zealand 

Introduction

New Zealand is situated in the South Pacific, and has an estimated population of 4,115, 771 and a land area of 270,534 sq km. 

Local government comprises 12 regional councils and 73 territorial authorities. The latter are divided into district and city councils.

Local government expenditure is 4 per cent of New Zealand’s GDP. 

Summary

New Zealand’s local government system comprises regional councils and territorial authorities (including four unitary authorities). Both have general empowerment, within certain prescribed limits, to promote the wellbeing of their communities. The high degree of political and financial independence in New Zealand local government is reflected in a range of governance and financial structures and processes. 

As a balance to general empowerment, parliament has imposed upon local authorities specific requirements to consult their citizens, thus establishing primary accountability to the local electorate, rather than to central government. 

Much of New Zealand’s local government legislative framework has recently been reformed. The focus has now moved to successful implementation of the new legislation.

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