Future for Local Government Review

In April 2021 the Minister of Local Government, Hon Nanaia Mahuta, established a review into the future of local government. The review was to consider, report back and make recommendations on the roles and functions of local government into the future.

The purpose of the review was stated as being to identify how New Zealand’s system of local democracy and governance needs to evolve over the next 30 years to ‘improve the wellbeing of New Zealand communities and the environment, and actively embody the Treaty partnership’.

The Review into the Future for Local Government has outlined a number of recommendations which, if implemented, could make a major difference to the way our system of local governance works in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The timeline for the review has been given as:

The Future for Local Government Panel has released its interim report;
Ārewa ake te Kaupapa: Raising the platform

You can read the full report here.

The report sets out the review’s broad direction and involved initial scoping and early engagement to enable a future-focused review of the local governance system. It also identifies priority questions and lines of inquiry. The headlines are summarised below:

Key themes from engagement so far

• The current system of local government is under pressure – some local authorities face significant funding and capacity issues, and all face onerous compliance requirements.
• The relationship between local and central government is characterised by misunderstanding and mistrust. It needs work to build trust, so both can maximise their contributions to local wellbeing.
• Current arrangements place too many consultation and engagement demands on iwi and Māori without improving Māori wellbeing.
• Current arrangements do not ensure that diverse communities are adequately represented or involved in decision-making. As a result, local authority decisions do not effectively represent all community interests.
• Current approaches to local governance are not fully meeting business sector needs, or effectively fostering innovation at a local level.
• Any reforms should build on existing and inherent strengths, including local knowledge and the place-making role of local authorities.
• One size does not fit all – any new local authority structures should be tailored to meet the needs of diverse communities and circumstances.
• In a reshaped system of local governance, iwi and local authorities can be stronger partners – by working together at local and iwi rohe levels they can boost shared prosperity and wellbeing.
• New approaches to funding and financing mechanisms will be needed to ensure local authorities are viable and sustainable, and to improve equity.
• Changes to representation and electoral arrangements should be considered in order to strengthen local democracy, decision making, and leadership.

The Future for Local Government Panel has released its draft report;
He mata whāriki, he matawhanui,

The draft report outlines the need for a local governance system in Aotearoa that is community-focussed and citizen-centred, based on strong relationships and partnerships. This report intends to provoke further discussion and invites submissions to shape our final report and recommendations.

The draft report can be read here.

The Review into the Future for Local Government has outlined a number of recommendations which, if implemented, could make a major difference to the way our system of local governance works in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Council has previously discussed this topic at length and have put forward the following submission:.

Submission_Waimate District Council to the Review into the Future of Local Government Draft Report

The Review is taking place in three stages, and will involve engagement with local and central government, iwi, the business sector, community organisations, young people, and the wider public.
The three stages are:

If you would like to learn more about the Review into the Future for Local Government, visit;
https://www.futureforlocalgovernment.govt.nz/