Introduction
Napier City Councill (NCC) relies on a clear distinction between governance and management activities for effective operation.

NCC is comprised of:

• elected members, who have overall responsibility for Council decisions and activities
• the Chief Executive, who is the sole employee of the elected members, and
• Council officers, who are employed by the Chief Executive.

Governance activities are the remit of elected members. Management activities are the remit of the Chief Executive, which include the provision of policy advice, as well as implementing the governance decisions made by elected members.

In order for NCC to operate efficiently and effectively, the Chief Executive delegates provision of policy advice and decision implementation to Council officers.

Purpose
The purpose of the Delegations Manual / LocoDelegations is to define and authorise the scope of:

a) the division between governance and management activities
b) Council's delegations of governance activities to Council committees
c) Council's delegations of management activities to the Chief Executive
d) the Chief Executive's delegations to Council officers, including the Executive Team1. 

Other aspects of NCC's work programme can be delegated by Council resolution. This includes the work programme detailed in the Long-Term Plan and Annual Plan. Separate delegations are not required for Council officers to undertake any work included in these documents, which are adopted by Council.

The Delegations Manual/LocoDelegations also provides for specific delegations relating to finance, regulatory functions and specific statutory responsibilities devolved to Council through legislation.

Delegations to the Chief Executive
NCC may delegate any function to the Chief Executive, except those expressly precluded by legislation. Any further delegations by the Chief Executive made following the publication of this website will be recorded in an Appendix of Subsequent Delegations. The Chief Executive may appoint an Executive Team1 member to assume delegated authority in the event of planned or unplanned leave, absence or unavailability.

Delegations’ philosophy

Delegations are ‘the assignment of a duty or power of action to another, together with the authority to carry out that duty or complete the action assigned with responsibility for the outcome.’

The powers, functions and duties of Council are prescribed by central government either expressly or implicitly by statute and associated regulations. The legislative framework imparts different powers, functions and duties to the elected Council, the Chief Executive and to specific Council officers.

In the interests of good management and effective administration, Council believes that decision-making should be delegated to the lowest competent level. This will enable the best use of elected member and Council officer abilities, and minimise the cost of material, technical and financial resources.

Authority and responsibility are inseparable. Those with the responsibility for a task or function should always have the authority to carry it out effectively. Those with authority should always be responsible for its wise use.

Delegations do not remove ultimate accountability of elected members, the Chief Executive, and the Senior Leaders for the affairs of Council.