Wellington City Council

Descriptive Data

TypeOrganisationParallel NameTe Kaunihera o PōnekeOther NamesWellington City CorporationWCCThe Corporation of the City of WellingtonDate Range1870-DescriptionThe Wellington City Corporation (also known as the Corporation of the City of Wellington) was constituted in 1870 under the Municipal Corporations Act of 1867, to administer local government in Wellington. It replaced the Wellington Board of Works.

Councillors were elected by the ratepayers of each of four wards - Thorndon, Lambton, Te Aro and Cook - and they, in turn, elected the Mayor. By 1874 the Mayor was elected by ratepayers.

The Corporation was the permanent corporate body having the power to hold land, institute legal proceedings etc. and was distinct from the Mayor and Councillors. The Municipal Corporations Act of 1954 maintained this strict distinction.

Neighbouring boroughs amalgamated with Wellington during the 20th century and greatly increased the area the Council was responsible for. In 1974, the Local Government Act was introduced and the Council was then constituted under this. As a result of the Local Government Amendment (No.3) Act 1977, the corporate body became known as Wellington City Council, effectively the same as the body consisting of the Mayor and Councillors.

Note: Because of the interchangeability of the terms 'corporation' and 'council', the name Wellington City Council is used in all cases as the creating agency where the local authority administrative organisation is referred to. Prior to 1974, the administrative body for Wellington city was legally the Wellington City Corporation. Officially the term 'Council' referred to the mayor and councillors only. In 1974, the Local Government Act was introduced and the Council was then constituted under this. As a result of the Local Government Amendment (No.3) Act 1977, the corporate body became known as Wellington City Council, effectively the same as the body consisting of the Mayor and Councillors.

Related Agencies

Predecessor Agency or OrganisationWellington Board of Works

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Wellington City Council