Elected members for our city and region
The elected members of the
Governing Body and local boards make decisions about Auckland for all Aucklanders.
The mayor, councillors and local board members are all elected by Aucklanders to represent the specific interests of the region and its diverse communities.
Once elected, they spend the next three years serving as representatives.
Gathering the necessary information
Representing our many communities is a very important role, so we make sure that elected members have all the information they need when it comes to decision-making.
Governing Body
The Governing Body focuses on the big picture and on region-wide strategic decisions.
It is made up of the mayor and 20 ward councillors, elected by voters from the
13 Auckland wards.
Houkura (Independent Māori Statutory Board)
Houkura, formerly known as the Independent Māori Statutory Board, is separate to Auckland Council. It makes sure we are honouring our partnership under the Treaty of Waitangi, taking the views of Māori into account in decision-making.
Auckland Council Organisation
Our staff provide support for the elected members. We provide advice on decisions being made, and make sure their decisions are implemented.
Local boards
Local boards represent the communities in their area and make decisions on local issues, activities and facilities.
Each of the
21 local boards has between five and nine members, elected by voters from the area they represent.
Advisory panels
The advisory panels offer advice on issues important to their communities.
There are twelve advisory panels.
Council-controlled organisations (CCOs)
Like our staff, the CCOs advise elected members on special areas of decision making.
These areas include:
- transport
- water and wastewater
- development and tourism
- events.
How the parts work together
When making decisions for Auckland, elected members use all or some of the parts of the council group to help guide them.
To ensure they are aware of all the important information when making a decision, elected members work with:
- Houkura
- our staff (including CCOs)
- the advisory panels.
Let’s find out a bit more about each of these groups.
A voice for Māori in Auckland
Houkura provides advice to council on ways to promote important matters to Māori and to make sure that we honour our partnership and obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi / Treaty of Waitangi.
Issues of significance for Māori
Houkura has produced a lot of important documents throughout their work, such as the
Māori Plan.
The Māori Plan is a 30-year plan that describes how they and the council will continue to be a voice for Māori values and aspirations in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland.
Watch a video about the Māori Plan
Read the
full transcript of this video.
What CCOs do
Council-controlled organisations look after:
- special council assets
- services
- infrastructure.
They work separately from the Auckland Council organisation, but they are accountable to the Governing Body.
Specialists in their fields of expertise
You can think of the CCOs as teams that specialise in their areas of expertise. They keep everything running on behalf of the council and then report back to the Governing Body.
The Governing Body makes sure that the CCOs are doing the best job possible.
Have a look at the different CCOs and what they do.
Watercare services – all things water
Watercare looks after all of the water and wastewater services for Auckland – next time you turn on a tap you can thank Watercare!
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited – all the fun stuff!
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited looks after arts, culture, heritage and sports venues and facilities. That includes the Auckland Zoo and our museums!
Auckland Transport – how we get around
Auckland Transport looks after the buses, trains, cycle paths, footpaths and parking in Auckland.
We all use these everyday so it’s a big job!
Eke Panuku – building the best Auckland
Eke Panuku focusses on development throughout our city and region.
They make Auckland a great place to live through projects like Wynyard Quarter.
More information about CCOs
To find out more about what each of the CCOs, head to their websites to see what projects they are working on at the moment.
Advisory panels
Advisory panels advise elected members on specific areas or issues that affect the communities they represent by
advocating for our diverse communities.
Important local government-led projects and initiatives
Here are some examples of projects and initiatives we lead:
Safeswim
Safeswim provides up-to-date safety information on the levels of risk for swimming locations around Auckland.
Next time you are heading to the beach, check out the website and make sure it is safe to swim.
Safeswim is a joint initiative between the Auckland Council, Northland Regional Council, Surf Life Saving, Watercare and National Public Health Service - Northern Region (formerly known as Auckland Regional Public Health Service).
Learn more on the
Safe Swim website.
Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland's Climate Action Plan
Auckland’s Climate Action Plan is the way we respond to climate change.
The plan outlines how we are going to approach climate action for Auckland and how we can reduce emissions as well adapt to climate change.
The plan outlines priorities and how we plan to implement actions.
Learn more about
Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland's Climate Action Plan.
Auckland Emergency Management
Auckland Emergency Management provides coordinated approaches to significant risks and hazards across Auckland.
Hazards are things like floods, tsunamis, volcanos, earthquakes, severe weather, pandemics and other hazards.
We work with emergency services and other organisations through Auckland Emergency Management to make sure everyone is informed, alert, and safe.
Learn more on the
Auckland Emergency Management website.
City Rail Link
The City Rail Link is a new underground rail line that will connect the city centre to the existing western line.
This project will make moving around the city easier and help towards the reduction of cars on the road.
The City Rail Link will at least double Auckland’s rail capacity.
This is a joint venture between Auckland Council and central government.
Learn more on the
City Rail Link website.
Sign up for learning resources
Register to receive a link to our civics education resources for schools and community groups.
You will receive separate educational resources for four lessons based on the information on this site.
Each lesson takes a closer look at the topic through four fun activities with clear learning objectives that are easily adaptable for any classroom or interest group.
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