Local governance statement
This webpage constitutes Waikato Regional Council’s Local Governance Statement for the purposes of section 40 of the Local Government Act 2002. It sets out how the council operates and, makes decisions, and how the public can participate and access information.
This Local Governance Statement was last reviewed in May 2026 and is updated as required to reflect governance or legislative changes.
He puka aratohu mā ngā kaikaunihera | Elected members’ handbook and the Local Governance Statement
The Elected Members’ Handbook is an internal governance and induction resource. This Local Governance Statement is the primary public document relied on to meet section 40 of the Local Government Act 2002.
Index of key S40 information
| S40 topic | Webpage |
| Functions, responsibilities, activities | The mahi (work) we do | Waikato Regional Council |
| Local legislation | Our rights, obligations and responsibilities are set out in statutes, regulations and bylaws. To fulfil its purpose, Waikato Regional Council exercises powers and carries out its responsibilities through:
|
| Bylaws | Navigation Safety Bylaw | Waikato Regional Council |
| Electoral system and opportunity to change it | Local body elections | Waikato Regional Council |
| Representation arrangements and opportunities to change them | Committees, councillors and governance | Waikato Regional Council |
| Members’ roles and conduct | Code of conduct for elected members |
| Governance and delegations | Governance and delegations |
| Meetings / LGOIMA | Meetings / LGOIMA |
| Consultation policies | Significance and Engagement Policy | Waikato Regional Council |
| Māori liaison policies | Iwi | Waikato Regional Council |
| Management structure | Our organisation | Waikato Regional Council |
| Equal employment opportunities policy | Waikato Regional Council is committed to equal employment opportunity in recruitment, employment, training and promotion. The organisation works to eliminate discrimination in line with the Human Rights Act 1993. |
| Key plans & policies | Policies and Plans | Waikato Regional Council |
| OIA processes | Requests for official information (LGOIMA) | Waikato Regional Council |
Triennial agreement
The Local Government Act 2002 requires an agreement between all local authorities within each region, no later than 1 March after each triennial general election.
The triennial agreement sets out the protocols for communication and co-ordination amongst the authorities during the triennium, so all parties work collaboratively, maximise efficiency and promote wellbeing in their communities.