New Caledonia's 33 communes constitute the second and most local level of territorial administration. These municipalities function as the primary unit of local governance, responsible for delivering essential public services to residents including urban planning, local infrastructure maintenance, waste management, and community facilities. Each commune is governed by a municipal council elected by local residents, headed by a mayor who serves as the chief executive officer. The communes handle matters of immediate concern to daily life such as civil registration, local policing coordination, primary education facilities, and social services. They possess taxing authority to fund local operations and maintain significant autonomy in managing their affairs within the framework established by New Caledonia's broader territorial government. The size and population of these communes vary considerably, from rural areas to the capital municipality of Nouméa.