DZ 9202:2025 Local government standing orders

Overview

The Department of Internal Affairs is updating NZS 9202:2003 Model Standing Orders for Meetings of Local Authorities and Community Boards to reflect legislative changes since 2006.

This update aligns with the upcoming Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill, which will empower the Secretary for Local Government to issue model standing orders. The revised standard will ensure consistency, transparency, and compliance across all local authorities, replacing outdated guidance and supporting improved governance. Public feedback is invited to help shape a standard that meets the needs of modern local government.

(Model) standing orders will provide further consistency and certainty to councils about council meeting procedures.

Consistent practices will help make council decision making processes more accessible and clearer for the public.

The revised NZS 9202:2003 standard is intended for:

• Territorial authorities
• Regional councils
• Community boards
• All types of local authorities as defined under the Local Government Act 2002

We are seeking feedback from all user groups on if the balance has been struck with the appropriate level for local needs as a standardised template.

Consultation draft

DZ 9202:2025 Local government standing orders

Important to note

All submissions need to go through this portal. There is no option to upload separate files during the submission process. Documents with submissions sent to Standards New Zealand separately will not be considered by the committee. 

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