A district in New Zealand is a territorial authority area governed by a district council as a second-tier of local government in New Zealand, below regional councils. They were formed as a result of the local government reforms in 1989. There are 53 districts in New Zealand, and they do not include the 12 city councils, the Auckland Council, and the Chatham Islands Council. District councils serve a combination of rural and urban communities, while city councils administer the larger urban areas. Three districts (Gisborne, Tasman, and Marlborough) are unitary authorities also performing the functions of a regional council. Districts are not subdivisions of regions, and some of them fall within more than one region. Taupō District has the distinction of straddling the boundaries of four different regions. Regional council areas are based on water catchment areas, whereas district council areas are based on community of interest and road access. Regional councils are responsible for the administration of many environmental and public transport matters, while the district councils administer local roads and reserves, sewerage, building consents, the land use and subdivision aspects of resource management, and other local matters. Some activities are delegated to council-controlled organisations.

Districts

There are currently 53 districts in New Zealand.

North Island (34)

The North Island comprises 34 districts.

Northland Region (3)

Waikato Region (7)

Bay of Plenty Region (4)

Hawke's Bay Region (3)

Taranaki Region (2)

Manawatū-Whanganui Region (4)

Wellington Region (4)

Transregional districts (6)

Unitary authority (1)

South Island (19)

The South Island and Stewart Island comprise 19 districts.

West Coast Region (3)

Canterbury Region (8)

Otago Region (3)

Southland Region (2)

Transregional district (1)

Unitary authorities (2)

Notes: