Building a stronger local government for New Zealand.

LGNZ and its member councils are embarking on a significant programme of work to increase the value that is delivered to communities by councils across New Zealand.

Local government has an important role to play in delivering strong local economies and building vibrant communities. However, although people agree that local government is important to New Zealand, many of the public and business community are unaware of the broad range of services that councils provide.

LGNZ has undertaken independent research that provides a clear national picture of how the public and businesses perceive local government. This research has been instrumental in helping shape a significant programme of work to improve sector performance. As a result, LGNZ will now be working with councils across New Zealand on six priority areas:

governance, leadership and strategy;
financial decision-making and transparency;
asset management and infrastructure;
engaging with business;
communicating and engaging with public; and
building a stronger relationship with central government.

Read the media release on LGNZ’s plans under the related links panel on this page.

For background on the research that informed this programme, read the New Zealand Local Government Survey report here. (PDF 481 KB)

What is The New Zealand Local Government Survey? Find out by reading LGNZ set of Q&A. (PDF 362 KB)

For more information on this programme, please contact LGNZ’s Director of Advocacy, Helen Mexted, on 029 924 1221 or email [email protected]

Local Government Reputation Index - Waitomo District Council public boost

As part of the above research, WDC commissioned an additional local booster, to give us detailed information about the reputation of local government in our area.