Territorial authorities, or local governments throughout the country, formulate policies and plans, Long-term Council Community Plans (LTCCP),  to manage the use of resources and their impacts on the environment. Through a process of public consultation the authorities develop a plan which describes the features of their area which are deemed to be worthy of protection, through the development of rules for a variety of activities.

The following table lists New Zealand's Territorial Authorities, with their web contact details, a link to their plan documents if available, and an assessment of whether the Authority supports Dark Skies, Energy Efficiency or Sustainability.