Glossary of terms

An elected body that shares decision-making responsibility, for a defined geographic area within a territorial authority district, with the governing body (mayor and councillors) of that territorial authority. The territorial authority must also be a unitary authority. The decision-making responsibilities are for non-regulatory matters allocated to it. A local board may also undertake decision-making for any responsibilities delegated by the governing body.

Like a community board, a local board cannot levy rates, make bylaws, buy property, borrow money, sell assets or hire or fire staff.

Local boards currently exist only in Auckland.

Local boards can only be established, altered or disestablished by way of the statutory reorganisation process.

A local board has between five and 12 members. It must have at least five elected members and may have appointed members being councillors from the area. A local board must have a majority of elected members.