2.4.5 The council and the people of Auckland

After being elected, but before members can act, members must make a declaration that they will act in the best interests of the area for which they are responsible. For governing body members, this means acting in the best interests of Auckland as a whole; for local board members, acting in the best interests of their respective local board area.
Ward councillors are elected on a ward basis to ensure effective representation of the communities contained within wards. However, councillors are required to act in the best interests of the whole of Auckland and need to be careful local concerns do not dominate.
Local board members are elected to ensure effective representation of the communities contained within the local board area. Some local boards are split into subdivisions. Local board members who are elected on the basis of subdivisions should also take care that they act in the best interests of the local board area, so that the interests of the communities in the subdivision do not dominate the interests of communities within the wider local board area.
It can be confusing for constituents to know who to approach. Essentially, constituents can go to councillors for regional matters, including rates, and local board members for local matters. However, ward councillors and local board members may need to work together to resolve some issues.