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Region is the formal term for the top tier of local government in New Zealand. There are 16 regions of New Zealand. Twelve are governed by an elected regional council, while four are governed by territorial authorities (the second tier of local government) which also perform the functions of a regional council and thus are known as unitary authorities. There is one exception to this, Nelson City is governed by an individual Territorial authority to its region (Tasman Region). The Chatham Islands Council is often counted by many as a unitary authority, but it is officially recognised as a part of the region of Canterbury. Some regional boundaries follow territorial authority boundaries but there are plenty of exceptions. The southern boundary of the Auckland Region, for example, cuts through the middle of Franklin District.
Responsibilities Regional authorities are primarily responsible for environmental management, including water, contaminant discharge and coastal management, river and lake management including flood and drainage control, regional land management; regional transport (including public transport), biosecurity or pest management; while territorial authorities are responsible for: local-level land use management (urban and rural planning); network utility services such as water, sewerage, stormwater and solid waste management; local roads; libraries; parks and reserves; and community development. Property rates (land taxes) are used to fund both regional and territorial government activities. There is often a high degree of co-operation between regional and territorial councils as they have complementary roles. List of regions Regions of regional councils and unitary authorities (and Central Cities), roughly in north to south order (brand names are in parentheses): (Horizons Regional Council; horizons.mw) (Greater Wellington Regional Council) ISO 3166-2-codes for each can be found in ISO 3166-2:NZ. Areas outside regional boundaries New Zealand has a number of outlying islands that are not included within regional boundaries. The Chatham Islands is not a region, although its council operates as a region under the Resource Management Act. The Kermadecs and the sub-antarctic islands are inhabited only by a small number of conservation staff. The Conservation Minister is empowered to act as a regional council for these islands. Governance Councils are popularly elected every three years. Councils may use a first past the post or single transferable vote system. See also | ||||||||
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