(1)  The Director may order –

(a) a council to exercise any power or perform any function under this Act; or

(b) any authorised officer to carry out in urgent circumstances a specified function of a council under this Act; or

(c) any authorised officer to perform any function under this Act in any municipal area.

(2)  If a council fails to exercise any power or perform any function, the Director may exercise the power or perform the function at the council's expense.

(3)  Before the Director makes an order or takes any action under this section in relation to a council, the Director, unless the circumstances require immediate action, is to –

(a) consult with the general manager of the council; or

(b) hold an inquiry to establish why the council has failed to perform any function.

(4)  A council may request the Director to exercise any of its powers or perform any of its functions at the council's expense.