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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*
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.
Read moreAbout *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.
Read moreContact *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