Local Boards FAQs

The Auckland Council must adopt a local boards funding policy setting out:

• How funds for meeting the costs of funding local activities and administrative support will be allocated

• What other funding may be available and the criteria.

The purpose of local boards is to:

• Enable democratic decision-making by, and on behalf of, communities in the local board area

• Enable the promotion of the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of communities in the local board area.

Yes. Meetings of the governing body of the Council and local board meetings will be open to the public, to whom councillors and board members are accountable.

Local boards will not be able to raise their own revenue. They will, however, be able to seek increases in levels of service or other expenditure by the governing body of the Council in their local areas. This may result in a targeted rate being set by the Council in respect of the additional services.

Local boards’ powers and duties will include:

• Monitoring and reporting on the implementation of the local board agreement

• Communicating with community organisations and special interest groups

• Responsibilities or powers delegated by the governing body

• Considering and reporting on any matter of interest or concern to the local board

Local boards will be responsible for:

• Decision-making on those non-regulatory functions of the Auckland Council that do not require an Auckland-wide approach. These functions will be identified in the Council’s long-term and annual plans

• Identifying and communicating the interests and preferences of people in their area on the policies and plans of the Council

• Adopting a local board plan for local activities, and reaching agreement with the governing body on their provision

• Identifying and developing bylaws, and proposing them to the governing body