"Rules for local governments to serve their communities effectively"
This act aims to create local government that is democratic and effective, while recognising that New Zealand's communities are diverse. It does this in a few ways.
First, the act explains what local government is for. It also gives local authorities a structure and powers to decide what they want to do and how they want to do it.
The act makes sure that local authorities are accountable to the people in their communities. This means they have to explain their actions to the people they serve.
Lastly, the act allows local authorities to have a big role in making their communities better. They can work on social, economic, environmental, and cultural aspects of community life. When they do this, they need to think about sustainable development. This means they should try to make improvements that will last for a long time.
"This law's name is the Local Government Act 2002"
Local Government Act 2002
Reprint as at:
2025-04-05
Assent:
2002-12-24
Commencement:
see section 2
The Parliamentary Counsel Office has made editorial and format changes to this version using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019.
Note 4 at the end of this version provides a list of the amendments included in it.
This Act is administered by the
Department of Internal Affairs.