Introduction. This Chapter contains provisions dealing separately with the constitution of land as a local government area and the constitution of a council to manage that area. It enables the making of changes to those areas and to councils. It provides for the dissolution of councils and the appointment of administrators.

Each council is a statutory corporation. The councillors are the governing body of the corporation and they have the responsibility of directing and controlling the affairs of the council in accordance with this Act.

The Chapter includes a statement of the role of the mayor and of a councillor.

Provision is made for the payment of fees to the mayor and other councillors. Payment is to be made in accordance with determinations of the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal which is established by this Chapter. Provision is also made for the payment of expenses and the provision of facilities to the mayor and other councillors.

The Chapter also constitutes the Local Government Boundaries Commission and provides for its functions.