2022

Policy.nz for Schools

Climate change poses a huge challenge for communities as more frequent extreme weather events require us to rethink how we live and where. Local authorities are at the forefront of efforts to respond, with responsibilities for environmental planning and regulation, as well as civil defence. Many councils have plans to reduce emissions in their area and are working to help their communities adapt to a warming world.

Climate change and resilience

Local governments play a central role in protecting the environment, reducing waste and safeguarding biodiversity. The worsening state of New Zealand’s lakes and rivers is a major challenge for local councils, which work with regional councils in the management of water resources in their area.

Environment

Protecting the environment and managing natural resources is a key responsibility of regional councils. Regional councils are often also involved in pest control and resource management.

Environment and biodiversity

The worsening state of New Zealand’s lakes and rivers is a major challenge for regional councils, which play a leading role in managing freshwater in their areas. To this end, regional councils create plans to protect water resources from contaminants and overuse.

Freshwater

Local councils are responsible for land use planning under the Resource Management Act, which affects where and how new houses are constructed, as well as the design of cities and towns. In some areas, councils also provide housing to those who need it most.

Housing and planning

Many councils help support local business and economic development. Some promote tourism in their area, or provide business support services and grants.

Jobs and economy

Local government is a foundational part of our democracy. But local democracy isn’t just about holding elections every three years – it’s about the day-to-day ways people have their say in the decisions that affect us all.

Local democracy

The work of local government is funded mainly by property taxes in the local area, known as rates. This makes up around 60% of council expenditure, with the rest coming from user charges, investment income, regulatory fees and roading subsidies. Councils can also borrow money to spread the cost of large investments such as infrastructure over a longer period of time.

Rates and revenue

From parks and libraries to museums and art galleries, councils can be a key supporter of sporting, recreational and cultural events that bring communities to life. Community facilities, including sports grounds and town halls, are often owned and run by councils.

Recreation and culture

Helping communities get from A to B is a key responsibility of local government, from making sure the buses run on time to providing car parking and walking and cycling paths. Whether public transport is the responsibility of the regional or local council depends on where you are in the country. Local councils also own 87% of New Zealand’s roads.

Transport

Councils are responsible for a wide range of utilities and services that we all rely on, from rubbish and recycling to street cleaning. Councils are currently also responsible for managing waste water, storm water and drinking water infrastructure – the ‘Three Waters’. But that may be about to change, with central government seeking to shift the delivery of Three Waters services to four new larger entities, which could borrow enough  to upgrade the country’s water infrastructure.

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