Regions of New Zealand
The 16 regions of New Zealand are the top level of sub-national entities in New Zealand.
Regional councils
The regions are governed by regional councils ( German regional councils ). In the regions of Gisborne, Marlborough and Tasman, the respective district council takes over ( German District Council ) the tasks of the regional council, in the Nelson region of the city council ( German City Council ), in Auckland on 1 November 2010, the Auckland Council. These five councils are also known as unitary authorities ( German unity authorities).
Areas outside the regions
The outer areas of New Zealand are not subject to division into regions. On the Chathaminseln exists with the Chatham Iceland Council an institution with skills comparable to the unitary authorities. The Chatham Iceland Territory is thus sometimes performed as a 17 region. The Kermadec, Antipodes, Auckland, Bounty, Campbell and snare islands are uninhabited, for employees of the Department of Conservation, who remain there the minister assumes the functions of the council. The Three Kings Islands are uninhabited.
Tokelau is not part of the territory of New Zealand, but its colony. Niue and the Cook Islands are autonomous states in free association with New Zealand. New Zealand also laying claim to the Ross Dependency, but the rest due to the Antarctic Treaty.