Community Board (New Zealand)

Community Boards are governed by the provisions of Part 4 of the Local Government Act 2002^[1] and can be created, or dissolved by Territorial authorities, 40 out of 78 of which have 111 Boards.^[2] in addition Auckland has 21 Local Boards^[3] and some councils have Community Committees.^[4][5]

Under the Local Electoral Act 2001, Boards must have at least 4 members but not more than 12. At least 4 must be elected members, but up to half can be appointed by the council.

Their purpose is to:

• represent and act as an advocate for the interests of the community;
• consider and report on any matter referred to it by their council, and any issues of interest to the community board;
• make an annual submission to their council on expenditure;
• maintain an overview of services provided by their council within the community; and
• communicate with community organisations and special interest groups in the community, and undertake any other responsibilities delegated by their council.^[6]

Boards can have powers delegated to them by councils, but cannot own land, or employ staff.^[7]

Levels of delegation vary greatly. 25 councils (60%) give Boards power to make community grants, 11 (26%) power to run parks and reserves, 10 (24%) power to run community centres and sports and recreation^[8] and, in Southland, to spend up to $300,000 on projects.^[9] In Thames-Coromandel Boards have control of local harbours, parks, halls, libraries, airfields, swimming pools, toilets, cemeteries, buses, planning, grants, economic development and bylaws.^[10]

References