List of regions in New Zealand
Regions are the largest territories of local government in New Zealand. Twelve of the regions have a regional council and are further divided into districts and cities governed by territorial authorities, which are correspondingly district councils or city councils. However, there are a few unitary authorities and one territory which is considered a separate region (the Chatham Islands) due to its isolation.
Regional authorities are primarily responsible for regional transport (including public transport), water and air quality management, biosecurity, and environmental regulation; while local territorial authorities are responsible for: local-level resource management (urban planning); city services such as water, sewerage, and refuse disposal; local roads; libraries; parks and reserves; and community development. Property rates (land taxes) are used to fund both regional and territorial government activities. There is often a high degree of co-operation between regional and local councils as both have complementary roles.
Local Government Regions, roughly in north to south order:
- Northland
- Auckland
- Waikato
- Bay of Plenty
- Gisborne (unitary authority)
- Hawke's Bay
- Taranaki
- Manawatu-Wanganui
- Wellington
- Tasman (unitary authority)
- Marlborough (unitary authority)
- Nelson (unitary authority)
- West Coast
- Canterbury
- Chatham Islands (special territory)
- Otago
- Southland