At different times in the history of the Church, it became necessary for the Christian leaders and Bishops to convene to decide on matters of doctrine and policy. These were called councils, they could be held on a local or world wide level.

Councils are either regional or territorial authorities. There are 12 regional councils in New Zealand. They manage the region's natural resources, environmental planning, and regional-level regulations. There are 74 territorial authorities in New Zealand, including 16 city councils and 58 district councils. Territorial authorities provide local services such as water, rubbish collection and disposal, sewage treatment, parks, reserves, street lighting, roads and libraries. They process building and environmental consents and administer other regulatory tasks. Four of the territorial authorities (Gisborne, Tasman, Nelson and Marlborough) are known as Unitary Authorities, as they perform the roles of both a territorial authority and a regional council. Councils are also known as: local councils, district councils, territorial local authorities, unitary authorities, city councils and regional councils.

Form of social organization which allows the sovereignty of the people. Synonym of self-management, commune, democracy, direct democracy and soviets.

Bodies created by the Union to advise on policy and individual cases in specific areas. They consist of members working in the sector, who are elected annually. Each Council is supported by a full-time official who acts as a servicing officer. Examples are the Black Members, Disabled Members, Ethics and Equality Councils. Delegate Someone nominated to represent a branch, chapel, council or committee.