The Administrator in New Zealand Territorial Local Government - a Comparative Analysis

Abstract

This thesis is concerned with an enquiry into the relationship between political decision and executive action in Local Government. Administration in Great Britain, America (City-Manager concept) and France has been analysed to provide theoretical substance to the survey of the executive function in New Zealand territorial Local Government. The New Zealand Town/County Clerk is characterized by his total dependence on the Council on policy as well as executive matters. In this he is different from the American City Manager who monopolizes the executive sphere of Local Government and the French Mayor whose influence is overwhelming in both spheres. Of policy and execution. The New Zealand Town/County Clerk, as a local territorial executive institution is derived from its British source and has to face the same problems of reform. In addition, the New Zealand Town/County Clerk is much less qualified professionally as well as academically than any of the executives mentioned. This lack of qualification coupled with the traditional dependence on the Council and its Committees contribute to the evolvement of administrative ethics based upon caution, timidity and obedience to the Council. These administrative ethics characterize the functions of the territorial executive in New Zealand Local Government.