Local government plays an important role, one that is often overlooked. When things like roading and recycling work well, they are barely noticed. But when it goes wrong, it can have national consequences – like Auckland’s housing crisis.

That is why it is important to have the right policy settings in place to ensure that councils operate in an accountable, open and efficient manner.
 
A sober assessment of New Zealand suggests that our highly centralised system strays wide of the mark, amid unfunded mandates, a lack of accountability, voter intransigence and questionable spending. In this environment it is hardly surprising that the relationship between central government, local government, and communities is characterised by distrust and misunderstanding.
 
Join The New Zealand Initiative for the launch of The Local Manifesto: Restoring Local Government Accountability, as we put forward a bold but practical solution to this long-standing problem. 

Panelists:
Lianne Dalziel, Mayor of Christchurch
Jason Krupp, Research Fellow, The New Zealand Initiative
Kevin Lavery, Chief Executive, Wellington City Council