Importance Of Local Government

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Local government has been largely described to be circulated around affairs which are of ‘peculiarly local significance’ (McLintock 1966), which can be easily gathered from the institutions name. The most commonly known branches of local government are; city, district and regional councils. Throughout New Zealand there are eleven regional councils, twelve city councils and fifty-four district councils (Janine Hayward 2016). Local government is a connecting bridge of sorts which brings together the communities within New Zealand and central government. In this essay I will attempt to explain the key functions of local government as a whole and its benefits to a New Zealand society. I will also look deeper into the election process. I will proceed …show more content…

Local Government also functions to ensure the futures of their communities will continue to be successful and thriving (localcouncils.govt.nz). Local government implements various duties and roles to ensure this success ripples out from the present into the future. First and foremost, councils want to have continual district/regional well-being. The environment holds high importance to local government as well (localcouncils.govt.nz). Also, all councils generally share the same frame of reference in terms of themes within their regions. The biggest theme present is democracy; local people getting involved in their community. Next comes diversity; local government helps citizens of NZ to realise that we are in fact a diverse nation. The next theme is local choice; this is similar to local democracy, but it is specialised dependent on your own community. Finally, there is local accountability; local governments are responsible for their own communities, opposed to central government (localcouncils.govt.nz). These four themes are key in a fully functional council. Local government holds elections every three years, and the elections always fall in the year prior to central governments elections. The next election is scheduled for October 2016 (Janine Hayward

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