Political decision-making at Auckland Council is shared between the mayor and 20 councillors (our Governing Body) and the 21 local boards.
Our model of local government helps meet both regional and local needs, and gives Auckland the resources it needs to grow and develop.
We have two complementary decision-making parts:
Each part is autonomous and makes decisions within their areas of responsibility.
Although they make different types of decisions, there is an active working relationship between the Governing Body and the local boards.
The mayor is elected by all Auckland voters and leads the Governing Body.
The Governing Body focuses on the big picture and on region-wide strategic decisions.
The Governing Body consists of the mayor and 20 ward councillors, elected by voters from the 13 Auckland wards.
The Governing Body establishes committees to enable effective decision-making.
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.
Each local board also elects a chairperson and a deputy chairperson.
The Auckland Council organisation is led by the chief executive, who works closely with the mayor.
The chief executive appoints an executive leadership team who direct organisational staff.
The organisation as a whole is responsible for our operation and service delivery, advising the Governing Body and local boards and carrying out their decisions.
CCOs look after specific council assets, services or infrastructure.
The CCOs operate separately but are accountable to the Governing Body, which sets their direction and monitors their performance.
Houkura ensures there is a voice for Māori in the governance of Auckland, and advises us on making informed decisions and meeting our statutory obligations in relation to the Treaty of Waitangi.
Houkura members sit on each committee dealing with natural and physical resources, and may be appointed to others.
Houkura is independent of Auckland Council.
We are also advised by a range of advisory panels, which identify and communicate to us the interests and preferences of specific groups of Aucklanders.
We work with different co-management authorities and external partners: central government, our communities, mana whenua and neighbouring councils to ensure the best outcomes for Auckland across a wide variety of areas.
