3. Council's Purpose, Responsibilities and Activities
3.2 Principles relating to Local Authorities
The Local Government Act 2002 (Part 1, section 14) sets out principles guiding local authorities in the way that they perform their roles.
The Local Government Act 2002 states:
- In performing its role, a local authority must act in accordance with the following principles:
(a) A local authority should:
i. Conduct its business in an open, transparent and democratically accountable manner; and
ii. Give effect to its identified priorities and desired outcomes in an efficient and effective manner.
(b) A local authority should make itself aware of, and should have regard to, the views of all of its communities;
(c) When making a decision a local authority should take account of—
i. The diversity of the community and the community’s interests, within its district or region; and
ii. The interests of future as well as current communities; and
iii. The likely impact of any decision on the interests referred to in subparagraphs (i) and (ii)
(d) A local authority should provide opportunities for Maori to contribute to its decision making processes.
(e) A local authority should collaborate and cooperate with other local authorities and bodies as it considers appropriate to promote or achieve its priorities and desired outcomes, and to make efficient use of resources; and
(f) A local authority should undertake any commercial transactions in accordance with sound business practice;
(g) A local authority should periodically—
i. Assess the expected returns to the authority from investing in, or undertaking, a commercial activity; and
ii. Satisfy itself that the expected returns are likely to outweigh the risks inherent in the investment or activity;
(h) A local authority should ensure prudent stewardship and the efficient and effective use of its resources in the interests of its district or region;
(i) In taking a sustainable development approach, a local authority should take into account—
i. The social, economic and cultural interests of people and communities; and
ii. The need to maintain and enhance the quality of the environment; and
iii. The reasonably foreseeable needs of future generations;
2. If any of these principles, or any aspects of well being referred to in the purpose of Local Government above, are in conflict in any particular case, the local authority should resolve the conflict in accordance with the principle in subsection 1)(a)(i). This principle is to “conduct its business in an open, transparent and democratically accountable manner.”
It is also required to follow the detailed decision making processes outlined in the Local Government Act 2002 when carrying outs its obligations.
