Community Boards
Community boards were created by the local government reforms in 1989. Some 116 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.
View all community boards by their zone and council.
The purpose of a community board 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
- communicate with community organisations and special interest groups in the community, and undertake any other responsibilities delegated by their council.
Membership of a community board
Every community board is to consist of not fewer than four members but not more than 12 members, and is to include at least four 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 role of a community board member is varied and the job is more than just attending community board meetings. To find out more view the role descriptions for community board members, community board chair and the community board deputy chair. For more information on the history and roles and functions of community board members, please read the 2008 report written by Mary Richardson, formerly a policy manager at Christchurch City Council and now Executive Director of the Methodist Mision in Christchurch.
Last updated: January 2012
