Glossary of terms

A local authority with jurisdiction over a region. Its main functions are natural resource management, land use planning and environmental matters. Functions may also include public transport, regional reserves and bulk water supply. Its boundaries are based on water catchments, such as rivers, lakes and harbours. The seaward boundary is the twelve mile (19.3km) New Zealand territorial limit. A regional council is headed by a chairperson, who is a councillor elected by fellow councillors. It can have between six and fourteen elected members.