Decisions are usually made at a regional or district level, although sometimes central government may need to step in. Central government can provide national guidance and standards for environmental management. These plans contain policies, rules and other requirements that control resource use and can affect what people do. Territorial authorities which are usually city or district councils, such as the Christchurch City Council. Unitary authorities which carry out the functions of regional and district councils, such as the Gisborne District Council.
Local authorities consist of politicians and staff.
Politicians are elected by the ratepayers and make decisions on how their region or district will be managed. Local authorities get their authority and functions from various Acts of Parliament. The Resource Management Act sets out some of their functions with regard to the management of the area's natural and physical resources. Regional councils have the main responsibility for managing water and the beds of water bodies, controlling the discharge of contaminants, and land use effects of regional significance. They share responsibility for water bodies and land use with territorial authorities and for coastal marine areas with the Minister for Conservation.