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Local Government Act 2002

Summary of changes

These summaries explain recent changes to the law. They are generated by AI comparing versions of the legislation, so they might oversimplify, miss details, or get things wrong. Learn more about how we track these changes.

15 January 2026

  • New definitions for 'consumer trust', 'water organisation', and 'water service provider' have been inserted into the Act
  • The title of provision 6 has been amended to correct a formatting error
  • A new subsection has been inserted into provision 39 to define 'good employer'
  • Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  • The Crown's liability exemption has been amended to exclude liability for debts or liabilities of Watercare Services Limited
  • Provisions related to bylaws have been amended to repeal certain bylaw-making powers of territorial authorities
  • The Minister's powers have been amended to include assisting or intervening in the affairs of Watercare
  • Provisions related to development contributions have been amended to include the issuing of a project information memorandum for a non-consented small stand-alone dwelling
  • The definitions of 'plan' and 'proposed plan' have been repealed
  • Provisions related to water wastage and waterworks have been repealed
  • The Minister's consultation powers have been amended to include subpart 1A of this Part
  • Provisions related to the recovery of expenses have been amended to expand the entities liable for expenses
  • Provisions related to decisions and directions have been amended to expand their application
  • References to other Acts have been updated for clarity
  • Provisions related to significance and engagement policy have been amended to provide exceptions to consultation requirements
  • Provisions related to infrastructure strategy have been amended to exclude water services infrastructure
  • Certain provisions have been repealed

Affected provisions

  1. 1AA: Application, savings, and transitional provisions
    References to other Acts have been updated for clarity
  2. 5: Interpretation
    New definitions for 'consumer trust', 'water organisation', and 'water service provider' have been inserted into the Act
  3. 6: Meaning of council-controlled organisation and council organisation
    The title of provision 6 has been amended to correct a formatting error
  4. 10: Long-term plans, annual plans, and annual reports
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  5. 13A: Procedure relating to development contribution objections
    References to other Acts have been updated for clarity
  6. 39: Governance principles
    A new subsection has been inserted into provision 39 to define 'good employer'
  7. 76AA: Significance and engagement policy
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025; Provisions related to significance and engagement policy have been amended to provide exceptions to consultation requirements
  8. 79: Compliance with procedures in relation to decisions
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  9. 97: Certain decisions to be taken only if provided for in long-term plan
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  10. 101B: Infrastructure strategy
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025; Provisions related to infrastructure strategy have been amended to exclude water services infrastructure
  11. 121: The Crown not liable for debts
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025; The Crown's liability exemption has been amended to exclude liability for debts or liabilities of Watercare Services Limited
  12. 122: Disclosure document and loan documents to contain statement that the Crown does not guarantee financial products or loan
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025; The Crown's liability exemption has been amended to exclude liability for debts or liabilities of Watercare Services Limited
  13. 123: Outline of Part
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  14. 124: Interpretation
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  15. 125: Requirement to assess drinking water services
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025; Certain provisions have been repealed
  16. 126: Requirements following assessment of community drinking water service
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025; Certain provisions have been repealed
  17. 127: Duty to ensure communities have access to drinking water if existing suppliers facing significant problems
    Certain provisions have been repealed
  18. 128: Requirement to assess certain sanitary services
    Certain provisions have been repealed
  19. 130: Obligation to maintain water services: general
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  20. 130A: Obligation to maintain water services: Watercare
    Certain provisions have been repealed
  21. 131: Power to close down or transfer small water services
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  22. 132: Eligibility to vote in referendum
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025; Certain provisions have been repealed
  23. 133: Responsibility for conduct of referendum
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025; Certain provisions have been repealed
  24. 134: Criteria for closure of water service
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025; Certain provisions have been repealed
  25. 135: Criteria for transfer of water service
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025; Certain provisions have been repealed
  26. 136: Contracts relating to provision of water services
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025; Certain provisions have been repealed
  27. 137: Joint local government arrangements and joint arrangements with other entities
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025; Certain provisions have been repealed
  28. 143: Outline of Part
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  29. 146: Specific bylaw-making powers of territorial authorities
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025; Provisions related to bylaws have been amended to repeal certain bylaw-making powers of territorial authorities
  30. 148: Special requirements for bylaws relating to trade wastes
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025; Provisions related to bylaws have been amended to repeal certain bylaw-making powers of territorial authorities
  31. 153: The Crown bound by certain bylaws
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025; Provisions related to bylaws have been amended to repeal certain bylaw-making powers of territorial authorities
  32. 171: General power of entry
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025; Provisions related to bylaws have been amended to repeal certain bylaw-making powers of territorial authorities
  33. 181: Construction of works on private land
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  34. 182: Power of entry to check utility services
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  35. 192: Wastage of water
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025; Provisions related to water wastage and waterworks have been repealed
  36. 193: Power to restrict water supply
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025; Provisions related to water wastage and waterworks have been repealed; Certain provisions have been repealed
  37. 195: Discharge of sewage
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025; Provisions related to water wastage and waterworks have been repealed; Certain provisions have been repealed
  38. 196: Discharge of trade wastes
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025; Provisions related to water wastage and waterworks have been repealed; Certain provisions have been repealed
  39. 198: Power to require contributions for developments
    Provisions related to development contributions have been amended to include the issuing of a project information memorandum for a non-consented small stand-alone dwelling
  40. 200: Limitations applying to requirement for development contribution
    Provisions related to development contributions have been amended to include the issuing of a project information memorandum for a non-consented small stand-alone dwelling
  41. 202: Contents of section 201 schedule
    Provisions related to development contributions have been amended to include the issuing of a project information memorandum for a non-consented small stand-alone dwelling
  42. 209: Refund of money and return of land if development does not proceed
    Provisions related to development contributions have been amended to include the issuing of a project information memorandum for a non-consented small stand-alone dwelling
  43. 212: Interpretation
    The definitions of 'plan' and 'proposed plan' have been repealed
  44. 224: Offence relating to water wastage
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025; Provisions related to water wastage and waterworks have been repealed
  45. 225: Offences relating to waterworks
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025; Provisions related to water wastage and waterworks have been repealed
  46. 226: Liability for cost of damage
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025; Provisions related to water wastage and waterworks have been repealed
  47. 227: Offences relating to water meters
    Provisions related to water services have been amended to refer to the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025; Provisions related to water wastage and waterworks have been repealed
  48. 253: Outline of Part
    The Minister's powers have been amended to include assisting or intervening in the affairs of Watercare
  49. 254: How this Part works
    The Minister's powers have been amended to include assisting or intervening in the affairs of Watercare
  50. 255: Application of this Part
    The Minister's powers have been amended to include assisting or intervening in the affairs of Watercare
  51. 256: Interpretation
    New definitions for 'consumer trust', 'water organisation', and 'water service provider' have been inserted into the Act; The Minister's powers have been amended to include assisting or intervening in the affairs of Watercare
  52. 258N: Minister may consult any person
    The Minister's consultation powers have been amended to include subpart 1A of this Part
  53. 258O: Minister must publish list in Gazette
    The Minister's consultation powers have been amended to include subpart 1A of this Part
  54. 258P: Minister must have regard to published list
    The Minister's consultation powers have been amended to include subpart 1A of this Part
  55. 258Q: Notice of proposed appointment of Ministerial body
    The Minister's consultation powers have been amended to include subpart 1A of this Part
  56. 258S: Notification of appointment of Ministerial body
    The Minister's consultation powers have been amended to include subpart 1A of this Part
  57. 258W: Recovery of expenses
    The Minister's consultation powers have been amended to include subpart 1A of this Part; Provisions related to the recovery of expenses have been amended to expand the entities liable for expenses
  58. 258ZA: Decisions and directions remain in force
    Provisions related to decisions and directions have been amended to expand their application
  59. 290: Development contributions
    Provisions related to development contributions have been amended to include the issuing of a project information memorandum for a non-consented small stand-alone dwelling

18 July 2025

  • The Crown's liability exemption has been amended to exclude liability for debts of Watercare Services Limited, and disclosure documents and loan agreements must contain a statement that financial products or loans are not guaranteed by the Crown
  • Definitions have been reorganised, rephrased, or inserted for clarity, including new definitions for 'Auckland' and 'Watercare'
  • The obligation to maintain water services has been updated with new subsections defining 'local government organisation' and 'water supply and wastewater services'
  • A provision has been reformatted for clarity and readability without substantive legal change
  • Definitions of 'plan' and 'proposed plan' have been repealed by the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023
  • The Minister's powers have been amended to include assisting or intervening in the affairs of Watercare, with certain sections applying as if Watercare were a local authority
  • Minor updates have been made to remove redundant links and rephrase references for clarity

Affected provisions

  1. 1AA: Application, savings, and transitional provisions
    Minor updates have been made to remove redundant links and rephrase references for clarity
  2. 7: Local authorities, local boards, community boards, and their members
    Minor updates have been made to remove redundant links and rephrase references for clarity
  3. 13A: Procedure relating to development contribution objections
    Minor updates have been made to remove redundant links and rephrase references for clarity
  4. 121: The Crown not liable for debts
    The Crown's liability exemption has been amended to exclude liability for debts of Watercare Services Limited, and disclosure documents and loan agreements must contain a statement that financial products or loans are not guaranteed by the Crown
  5. 122: Disclosure document and loan documents to contain statement that the Crown does not guarantee financial products or loan
    The Crown's liability exemption has been amended to exclude liability for debts of Watercare Services Limited, and disclosure documents and loan agreements must contain a statement that financial products or loans are not guaranteed by the Crown
  6. 124: Interpretation
    Definitions have been reorganised, rephrased, or inserted for clarity, including new definitions for 'Auckland' and 'Watercare'
  7. 130: Obligation to maintain water services: general
    The obligation to maintain water services has been updated with new subsections defining 'local government organisation' and 'water supply and wastewater services'
  8. 173: Power of entry in cases of emergency
    A provision has been reformatted for clarity and readability without substantive legal change
  9. 212: Interpretation
    Definitions of 'plan' and 'proposed plan' have been repealed by the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023
  10. 253: Outline of Part
    The Minister's powers have been amended to include assisting or intervening in the affairs of Watercare, with certain sections applying as if Watercare were a local authority
  11. 254: How this Part works
    The Minister's powers have been amended to include assisting or intervening in the affairs of Watercare, with certain sections applying as if Watercare were a local authority
  12. 255: Application of this Part
    The Minister's powers have been amended to include assisting or intervening in the affairs of Watercare, with certain sections applying as if Watercare were a local authority

7 October 2025

  • New definitions for 'consumer trust', 'water organisation', and 'water service provider' have been inserted into the Act
  • Provisions related to water services have been repealed and replaced with new obligations and restrictions under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  • The Minister's powers to assist and intervene in the affairs of local authorities have been expanded to include water organisations and consumer trusts
  • Changes have been made to the bylaw-making powers of territorial authorities in relation to water services
  • Provisions related to development contributions, long-term plans, and annual reports have been amended to accommodate changes under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  • Transitional provisions have been inserted to provide for the application of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025
  • Exceptions have been added to consultation requirements for territorial authorities working with water organisations under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  • The infrastructure strategy provision has been amended to exclude water services infrastructure that relates to providing water services under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  • A new subsection has been inserted to define 'good employer' in relation to governance principles
  • A new subsection has been inserted to provide that the reference to section 77 in subsection 79(1)(a) must be read as a reference to section 30 of the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025 if the identification and assessment of options relates to a change proposal under section 27 of that Act
  • New exceptions have been added to allow certain decisions to be taken without being provided for in a long-term plan, specifically relating to strategic water services assets and water services delivery plans
  • A formatting error in the title of provision 6 has been corrected

Affected provisions

  1. DLM256
    New definitions for 'consumer trust', 'water organisation', and 'water service provider' have been inserted into the Act
  2. 1AA: Application, savings, and transitional provisions
    Transitional provisions have been inserted to provide for the application of the Local Government (Water Services) (Repeals and Amendments) Act 2025
  3. 5: Interpretation
    New definitions for 'consumer trust', 'water organisation', and 'water service provider' have been inserted into the Act
  4. 6: Meaning of council-controlled organisation and council organisation
    A formatting error in the title of provision 6 has been corrected
  5. 10: Long-term plans, annual plans, and annual reports
    Provisions related to development contributions, long-term plans, and annual reports have been amended to accommodate changes under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  6. 13: Methodology for calculating development contributions
    Provisions related to development contributions, long-term plans, and annual reports have been amended to accommodate changes under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  7. 39: Governance principles
    A new subsection has been inserted to define 'good employer' in relation to governance principles
  8. 76AA: Significance and engagement policy
    Exceptions have been added to consultation requirements for territorial authorities working with water organisations under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  9. 79: Compliance with procedures in relation to decisions
    A new subsection has been inserted to provide that the reference to section 77 in subsection 79(1)(a) must be read as a reference to section 30 of the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025 if the identification and assessment of options relates to a change proposal under section 27 of that Act
  10. 97: Certain decisions to be taken only if provided for in long-term plan
    New exceptions have been added to allow certain decisions to be taken without being provided for in a long-term plan, specifically relating to strategic water services assets and water services delivery plans
  11. 101B: Infrastructure strategy
    The infrastructure strategy provision has been amended to exclude water services infrastructure that relates to providing water services under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  12. 123: Outline of Part
    Provisions related to water services have been repealed and replaced with new obligations and restrictions under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  13. 124: Interpretation
    Provisions related to water services have been repealed and replaced with new obligations and restrictions under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  14. 125: Requirement to assess drinking water services
    Provisions related to water services have been repealed and replaced with new obligations and restrictions under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  15. 126: Requirements following assessment of community drinking water service
    Provisions related to water services have been repealed and replaced with new obligations and restrictions under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  16. 127: Duty to ensure communities have access to drinking water if existing suppliers facing significant problems
    Provisions related to water services have been repealed and replaced with new obligations and restrictions under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  17. 128: Requirement to assess certain sanitary services
    Provisions related to water services have been repealed and replaced with new obligations and restrictions under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  18. 130: Obligation to maintain water services: general
    Provisions related to water services have been repealed and replaced with new obligations and restrictions under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  19. 130A: Obligation to maintain water services: Watercare
    Provisions related to water services have been repealed and replaced with new obligations and restrictions under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  20. 131: Power to close down or transfer small water services
    Provisions related to water services have been repealed and replaced with new obligations and restrictions under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  21. 132: Eligibility to vote in referendum
    Provisions related to water services have been repealed and replaced with new obligations and restrictions under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  22. 133: Responsibility for conduct of referendum
    Provisions related to water services have been repealed and replaced with new obligations and restrictions under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  23. 134: Criteria for closure of water service
    Provisions related to water services have been repealed and replaced with new obligations and restrictions under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  24. 135: Criteria for transfer of water service
    Provisions related to water services have been repealed and replaced with new obligations and restrictions under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  25. 136: Contracts relating to provision of water services
    Provisions related to water services have been repealed and replaced with new obligations and restrictions under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  26. 146: Specific bylaw-making powers of territorial authorities
    Changes have been made to the bylaw-making powers of territorial authorities in relation to water services
  27. 148: Special requirements for bylaws relating to trade wastes
    Changes have been made to the bylaw-making powers of territorial authorities in relation to water services
  28. 153: The Crown bound by certain bylaws
    Changes have been made to the bylaw-making powers of territorial authorities in relation to water services
  29. 171: General power of entry
    Changes have been made to the bylaw-making powers of territorial authorities in relation to water services
  30. 181: Construction of works on private land
    Changes have been made to the bylaw-making powers of territorial authorities in relation to water services
  31. 182: Power of entry to check utility services
    Changes have been made to the bylaw-making powers of territorial authorities in relation to water services
  32. 192: Wastage of water
    Provisions related to water services have been repealed and replaced with new obligations and restrictions under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  33. 193: Power to restrict water supply
    Provisions related to water services have been repealed and replaced with new obligations and restrictions under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  34. 195: Discharge of sewage
    Provisions related to water services have been repealed and replaced with new obligations and restrictions under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  35. 196: Discharge of trade wastes
    Provisions related to water services have been repealed and replaced with new obligations and restrictions under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  36. 224: Offence relating to water wastage
    Provisions related to water services have been repealed and replaced with new obligations and restrictions under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  37. 225: Offences relating to waterworks
    Provisions related to water services have been repealed and replaced with new obligations and restrictions under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  38. 226: Liability for cost of damage
    Provisions related to water services have been repealed and replaced with new obligations and restrictions under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  39. 227: Offences relating to water meters
    Provisions related to water services have been repealed and replaced with new obligations and restrictions under the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025
  40. 253: Outline of Part
    The Minister's powers to assist and intervene in the affairs of local authorities have been expanded to include water organisations and consumer trusts
  41. 254: How this Part works
    The Minister's powers to assist and intervene in the affairs of local authorities have been expanded to include water organisations and consumer trusts
  42. 255: Application of this Part
    The Minister's powers to assist and intervene in the affairs of local authorities have been expanded to include water organisations and consumer trusts
  43. 256: Interpretation
    New definitions for 'consumer trust', 'water organisation', and 'water service provider' have been inserted into the Act
  44. 258N: Minister may consult any person
    The Minister's powers to assist and intervene in the affairs of local authorities have been expanded to include water organisations and consumer trusts
  45. 258O: Minister must publish list in Gazette
    The Minister's powers to assist and intervene in the affairs of local authorities have been expanded to include water organisations and consumer trusts
  46. 258P: Minister must have regard to published list
    The Minister's powers to assist and intervene in the affairs of local authorities have been expanded to include water organisations and consumer trusts
  47. 258Q: Notice of proposed appointment of Ministerial body
    The Minister's powers to assist and intervene in the affairs of local authorities have been expanded to include water organisations and consumer trusts
  48. 258S: Notification of appointment of Ministerial body
    The Minister's powers to assist and intervene in the affairs of local authorities have been expanded to include water organisations and consumer trusts
  49. 258W: Recovery of expenses
    The Minister's powers to assist and intervene in the affairs of local authorities have been expanded to include water organisations and consumer trusts
  50. 258ZA: Decisions and directions remain in force
    The Minister's powers to assist and intervene in the affairs of local authorities have been expanded to include water organisations and consumer trusts

25 December 2025

  • Local authorities are now required to disclose the amount of rates written off each financial year in their financial statements

Affected provisions

  1. 10: Long-term plans, annual plans, and annual reports
    Local authorities are now required to disclose the amount of rates written off each financial year in their financial statements