New Zealand - Local government The Local Government Act (1974),
with subsequent modifications, substantially changed the
structure of local government in New Zealand. The previous
system was based on territorial local authorities: boroughs,
which served concentrated populations of at least 1,500;
counties, which were predominantly rural; and town districts, an
intermediate form. In addition, there were special-purpose
authorities to administer harbors, hospitals, electricity and
water distribution, and other public services. The 1974
legislation added two tiers to this structure. Regional
bodies—including united councils, which are appointed by the
constituent territorial authorities in a region, and regional
councils, which are directly elected—are charged with two
mandatory functions, regional planning and self-defense, and may
undertake other regional functions. Moreover, within territorial
local authorities, communities may be established. Each
community may have either a district community council (if th