A group of people which advocates and represents a community in its dealings with a district or city council. It has powers and functions delegated to it by the council. It has input into some council decisions.
Community boards are a link between the council and the community. Community boards can be established at any time but may only be abolished as part of a council’s regular representation review carried out before local authority elections.
More than 100 community boards operate in urban and rural areas of territorial authorities. They were created by the local government reforms in 1989. A community board cannot levy rates, make bylaws, buy property, borrow money, sell assets or hire or fire staff. A community board can make recommendations and submissions on issues such as speed limits and other traffic and roading issues in its area; it can oversee community halls and reserves and sports grounds; and help co-ordinate civil defence preparation.
A community board has between four and 12 members. It must have at least four elected members and other members may be appointed. A community board must have a majority of elected members.
An area within a city council or district council where a community board has responsibility. It must be a continuous area with a population of at least 1500 people.
The geographic area over which a district council or city council has authority.
A scheme issued by the Local Government Commission (or an appointed local authority or a joint committee of affected local authorities) that sets out the details of a proposal for changing the structure of local government. It can be changed before a final proposal is issued.
A territorial authority which also has the responsibilities, powers and duties of a regional council. It is headed by a Mayor, elected at large.