Local councils in New Zealand are meant to operate according to the Local Government Act 2002 or "LGA"

Other major legislation which specifically relates to local government in New Zealand includes:

Local Government (Rating) Act 2002 or “LGRA”

Resource Management Act 1991  or “RMA”

Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 or “LGOIMA”

Local Government Borrowing Act 2011

Local Authorities (Members' Interests) Act 1968 or “LAMIA”

If you have been "treated unfairly by" a "city, district or regional council" you can make a complaint to The Ombudsman.

If you have serious concerns about how your council is operating, the following Acts may be relevant:

Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 or “HSWA” (contact WorkSafe)

New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 or “NZBORA”

Privacy Act 2020  (contact Office of the Privacy Commissioner)

Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022 or “PDA” (contact The Ombudsman)

Crimes Act 1961

[Last updated 09/12/2023]

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