Community Boards
Community Boards were created by the local government reforms in 1989. Some 143 community boards now operate in both urban and rural areas within local authorities throughout New Zealand. They carry out functions and exercise those powers delegated to them by their councils.
The purpose of Community Boards is to:
- Represent and act as an advocate for the interests of the community.
- consider and report on any matter referred to it by the territorial local authority,
and any issues of interest to the community board. - Make an annual submission to the territorial local authority on expenditure in the local authority.
- maintain an overview of services provided by the territorial authority within the community.
- Communicate with community organisations and special interest groups in the community, and undertake any other responsibilities delegated by the local authority.
Membership of a Community Board
Every Community Board is to consist of not fewer than 4 members nor more than 12 members: and is to include at least 4 elected members and may include appointed members. The number of appointed members is to be less than half the total number of members. (Local Electoral Act 2001 section 19 (f) )
The persons who are appointed as members of the community board must be members of, and must be appointed by, the territorial authority for the district in respect of which community is consulted: and if the territorial authority is divided into wards, also be members of the territorial authority representing a ward in which the community is situated. ( Local Electoral Act 2001 Section 1 (c) )
Role Descriptions
The role of a Community Board member is varied. To be an effective Community Board member you need to know that it is more than just attending Community Board meetings...
To find out more view the role descriptions for Community Board Chair, Community Board Deputy Chair, Community Board Members, Roles and Functions of Community Boards
Publication Available
The Local Government Act 2002 and Community Boards The new Local Government Act affects community boards in a number of ways. These cover relatively minor, but important, changes to the role of boards and their composition, to more extensive changes to the way in which boards are established and dis-established. In this guide we outline what the Local Government Act means for Community Boards. Read the guide (50Kb PDF)
Last updated: August 2010
