Governance

Gisborne District Council is one of 5 unitary authorities.  Our status comes from the district's relative isolation and the strong communities of interest within it.

Unitary councils combine the functions, duties and powers of a territorial authority (service delivery bodies) with those of a regional council (regulatory authorities).

Our management and committee structures are designed to reflect the separation of regulatory, from other functions.  Council exercises powers and fulfils responsibilities required under local and national legislation.   

Local Governance Statement

The Local Governance Statement describes how council engages with its community and makes decisions. It explains how the community can influence those processes.   The Local Governance Statement is a requirement of the Local Government Act 2002.

Gisborne District Council's 2011 Local Governance Statement (1.81MB 42 pages)