*Reinvigorating* local democracy

If adopted LGNZ’s programme will involve significant system change in different areas and over time, however change will be incremental. On day one councils will continue to interact with communities as they always have, just as central government will continue to play its system stewardship role. Our framework, however, is purposely designed to be flexible, so that central and local government can evolve beyond the strictures of the current roles both play.

In this paper we outline the beginning of a process for gradually moving New Zealand from being one of the most centralised countries in the developed world to one that is prepared to trust its communities to play a meaningful role in our social, economic, and cultural development.

We look forward to your feedback.

Download the discussion paper

Public feedback

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) has released public feedback on its localism discussion paper, Reinvigorating Local Democracy, showing New Zealanders are frustrated with our country’s highly centralised model of government, and want a greater say in the policies that affect their lives.

LGNZ received 40 detailed submissions on the Reinvigorating Local Democracy report, including from individuals, community groups and councils. To read the public feedback click here.

Talking the talk, but walking the walk?

LGNZ is committed to localism, that is, giving citizens a greater say in the decisions that affect their communities, and we want your views about what localism should look like in Aotearoa New Zealand. To help you take part in the localism conversation we have prepared this website which brings together range of relevant resources.

By localism we mean giving citizens the opportunity to have more influence in the decisions that affect their day to day lives and the way in which their community develops. Deciding how this should occur, whether responsibilities should be transferred from central to local government or mechanisms put in place to give communities a greater say about the services central government provides, is the reason we are undertaking this consultation.

About the project

LGNZ, with the support of the New Zealand Initiative, is calling for a shift in the way public decisions are made in New Zealand by seeking a commitment to localism. Instead of relying on central government to decide what is good for our communities it is time to empower councils and communities themselves to make such decisions.

This means strengthening local self-government, putting people back in charge of politics and reinvigorating our democracy. We are seeking an active programme of devolution and decentralisation.

Localism Library

Contact Us

Project contact details

Mike Reid

Principal Policy Advisor

Phone: 04 924 1204

Email: mike.reid@lgnz.co.nz

Media Contact details

Daniel Webster

Senior Communications Advisor

Phone: 022 524 1217

Email: daniel.webster@lgnz.co.nz

*Reinvigorating* local democracy

The case for localising power and decision-making to councils and communities

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10 Reasons to *give localism a chance*

01

Localism is a more efficient and effective way of meeting community needs

02

Localism recognises and reflects New Zealand’s growing diversity

03

Localism ensures power and authority is shared around

04

Localism improves the coordination and integration of public services

05

Localism builds community resilience

06

Localism spurs innovation

07

Localism is good for local democracy

08

Localism is needed to ensure regions do not fall behind

09

Creating better cities

10

Localism reduces the overall cost of government

Localism *Q&A*

01

What do we mean by localism?

02

Why are LGNZ and the NZ Initiative promoting localism?

03

What would localism mean for New Zealand?

04

Just how centralised is New Zealand?

05

Why is centralism a problem?

06

Isn’t New Zealand too small for localism to work?

07

How can I be sure that councils have the capability to take on extra responsibilities?

08

Will localism affect the Crown’s commitments under the Treaty?

09

What if my council is taken over by a single interest group?

10

Won’t localism simply duplicate services and increase costs?

11

Isn’t there a risk that disadvantaged communities will be left behind?

12

Won’t councils reduce service levels in order to reduce taxes?

13

What impact will localism have on how government works?

14

Under localism what functions should local government provide?

15

Will communities trust councils to take on more responsibilities?

Localism *discussion paper*

Public *feedback*

Talking the talk, but *walking the walk?*

About *the project*

Contact *Us*

Project contact details

Media Contact details

Reinvigorating local democracy

10 Reasons to give localism a chance

Localism Q&A

Localism discussion paper

Public feedback

Talking the talk, but walking the walk?

About the project

Contact Us