27Local boards

#### 27 Local boards 27 Local boards > > (1) There is to be a board for each region, called the \[*Name of region*\] Local Board. > > > (2) The local board for a region is to be constituted by 7 members, being— > > > > > (a) 3 members elected, in accordance with the regulations, by ratepayers of the region, and > > > > > (b) 4 members appointed by the Minister. > > > (3) Despite subsection (2), the local board for the Western Region is to be constituted by 9 members, being— > > > > > (a) 4 members elected, in accordance with the regulations, by ratepayers of the region, and > > > > > (b) 5 members appointed by the Minister. > > > (4) A person is not eligible for appointment as a member of a local board unless, in the opinion of the Minister, the person possesses expertise, knowledge or skills (as demonstrated by relevant qualifications or experience) in one or more of the areas prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subsection. > > > (5) The regulations may provide for criteria to determine whether a person is eligible or ineligible for election or appointment as a member of a local board. > > > (6) In appointing a member of a local board, the Minister is to have regard to the following— > > > > > (a) the principle that a local board should, as far as possible, be constituted by persons who together have expertise, skills and knowledge (as demonstrated by relevant qualifications or experience) as are relevant to the functions exercisable by the local board, > > > > > (b) such other matters as may be prescribed by the regulations. > > > (7) The Minister is, by an instrument of appointment or a subsequent instrument, to appoint a member of the local board as chair of the local board.