Localism guide

Our localism guide is designed to support local government to embrace a more local-focused approach, no matter where they are on their journey.

Our localism guide sets out practical steps to implement localist approaches. It offers a comprehensive menu of 17 different tools, from which you can choose an approach that suits your council, community or specific situation. It sets out different approaches for:

  • involving communities more when making decisions
  • delegating more decisions to communities
  • supporting community groups to deliver more services on behalf of councils
  • strengthening their relationships with iwi, marae and Māori communities
  • tailoring services more to the needs of local areas.

The guide explains why and how to use each tool, and is brought to life by case studies. Each tool can be used or adapted by council staff, so that your council doesn’t have to reinvent the wheel.

Download the guide