There is a legal requirement [1] for the chief executive to arrange an explanation of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 and other laws affecting members including:
the appropriate provisions of the Local Authorities (Members’ Interests) Act 1968
sections 99, 105, and 105A of the Crimes Act 1961
These laws relate to pecuniary interest, corruption and bribery, improper gain, interest in contracts, use of confidential information for personal benefit (insider knowledge) and non-misleading offers of securities.
In 2016 the explanation of these laws, as well as a number of other core legal requirements, was provided to elected members by way of a report presented at the first business meeting of the governing body on 1 November 2016 and the first meeting of each local board.
Elected members also underwent an extensive induction programme that focused on:
good governance and the role of elected members as decision-makers
the role of staff in providing advice
an overview of elected members’ legal obligations
trust and confidence in Auckland Council
obligations to Māori and the role of the Independent Māori Statutory Board
Auckland Council’s shared governance model and how it works in practice.