Purpose of Local Government

Section 10 of the Local Government Act 2002 states that the purpose of Local Government in New Zealand is to enable democratic local decision-making and action by, and on behalf of communities; and to promote the social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being of communities, in the present and for the future.

The role of a local authority is to give effect, in relation to its district or region, to the purpose of local government stated in section 10; and to perform the duties, and exercise the rights, conferred on it by or under the Local Government Act 2002 or any other enactment.

These statements reflect a number of related ideas. These are:

• Democracy
• Effectiveness
• Local decision-making and local accountability
• A broad concern with the well-being of communities

The Act sets out a series of principles relating to local authorities. These are overarching principles that apply when exercising any power or performing any duty under the Act. They do not require local authorities to undertake specific activities but more in the nature of mandatory considerations or a list of things for local authorities to turn their minds to.

• Open, transparent, accountable conduct of business
• Effective and efficient conduct of business
• Consideration of community views
• Recognition of diversity
• Interests of future communities
• Promoting well-being
• Involvement
• Cooperation with other bodies
• Sound business practice
• Prudent stewardship