2020 Media Releases

Ōtorohanga District Council has received their first CouncilMARK™ report today, finding a small council focused on core priorities that is facing increasing pressure to meet growing community and infrastructure expectations.

Local Government New Zealand welcomes the leadership shown by a Southland group, comprising farmers, environmental NGOs, farming industry bodies and the regional council, who are working together to recommend new ways of making the intensive winter grazing regulations more practical and implementable.

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) has publicly released its Briefing for the Incoming Government, identifying three intertwined areas within the local government portfolio that should be the focus for both LGNZ and the Government over the next three years.

CouncilMARK™’s Independent Assessment Board (IAB) has released their latest report, on the performance of Bay of Plenty Regional Council, finding an organisation with some of the strongest iwi co-governance arrangements of any council, and a cohesive culture among both councillors and staff that is driving solutions for the region’s challenges.

Local Government New Zealand’s National Council says it supports Minister of Local Government Nanaia Mahuta’s decision to seek the appointment of a Commission at Tauranga City Council, saying it is a tough call that puts the interests of the community first.

The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) AGM has provided a bright spot in a dark year, as dozens of mayors, councillors, young people, community and social groups gathered on Friday to celebrate the Taskforce’s success in cultivating hundreds of job opportunities across provincial New Zealand.

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) is welcoming the appointment of the Hon. Nanaia Mahuta as Minister of Local Government for a second term and is looking forward to continuing a partnership to address the challenges facing New Zealand’s councils and communities.

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) is hailing the first Mana Whakahono ā Rohe or Iwi Participation Arrangement, between the West Coast Regional Council and Poutini Ngāi Tahu, as a milestone for local government that will empower local kaitiaki.

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) is congratulating Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Labour on an impressive general election result, saying it is now time to have a fulsome conversation around the future of local government and how the two tiers of government can best work together.

A new survey by LGNZ has confirmed the observation made at last year’s local elections that the face of local government is changing, and shows a significant increase in elected members who are younger, female, more educated and Māori.

A new case study released today focuses on the actions that a progressive Far North District Council (FNDC) has taken to improve and address what was initially perceived as a disappointing first CouncilMARK™ rating.

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.

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) today released its 2020 General Election Manifesto, taking a different tack to the policy wish-list traditionally seen at this part of the election cycle.

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) has today welcomed the stimulus funding to upgrade seven high-tech recycling plants across New Zealand, including recommendations on how New Zealand’s kerbside recycling can be standardised.

Local Government New Zealand’s (LGNZ) member councils have today passed 9 remits to direct LGNZ’s policy advocacy.

Local Government New Zealand’s (LGNZ) member councils have today elected Stuart Crosby as LGNZ President, replacing Dave Cull who steps down from the role.

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) has expressed disappointment in a recommendation by the Governance and Administration select committee to not change laws governing the private sale and use of fireworks.

Eleven remits have been set down for debate and voting at the 2020 Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held this Friday 21 August.

Local Government New Zealand’s new report on three communities’ fight against the impacts of climate change illustrates how challenging it is for councils grapple with the issue of adaptation without the policy tools and national guidance they need to do the job.

Local Government New Zealand’s (LGNZ) Regional Sector has today welcomed the launch of Te Mana o te Taiao, the Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy, citing robust collaboration with iwi, regional councils and private landowners and leadership from central government and the Department of Conservation in delivering a plan to protect and restore New Zealand’s native ecosystems.

Local Government New Zealand’s (LGNZ) Regional Sector welcomes the introduction of new freshwater regulation, saying it’s time to look closely at the on-the-ground implementation measures that will be vital to achieve the freshwater improvements sought by both local and central government.

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) has welcomed today’s release of the first National Climate Change Risk Assessment, but say that unless it’s paired up with a framework that enables councils to act on the assessments, communities will be left vulnerable to the increasing amount of severe weather events that are exacerbated by climate change.

LGNZ is today welcoming the introduction of the Water Services Bill, legislation that will detail the powers of the recently formed drinking water regulator Taumata Arowai.

Heading into their second CouncilMARK™ assessment, Waimakariri District Council were confident they could retain their AA rating, but knew it wouldn’t be easy.

LGNZ is welcoming the Government’s announcement of $124 million for onshore recycling and the expansion of the waste levy, but is calling on the Government to match the money with a strategic waste plan to ensure New Zealanders get the best bang for buck.

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) welcomes the announcement of $761 million for Tranche One funding as part of the Government’s three waters reform programme, saying it provides a measure  of financial assistance to councils as they consider the Government’s proposal on how drinking, waste and stormwater services are delivered in future.

The huge success of a pilot programme featuring rural mayors connecting youth in their regions with local small businesses has led to it being scaled up around the country, across 23 more councils.

Local Government’s Regional Sector are welcoming an announcement today of over $162 million in central government funding for 23 regional and unitary council Jobs for Nature projects, saying the strong support is an endorsement of the return on investment councils can provide for both our economy and environment.

Local Government New Zealand’s National Council has announced the creation of an LGNZ Covid Recovery Fund, which will be used to deliver free digital training to support mayors, chairs and elected members in their post-Covid decision-making.

Local Government New Zealand welcomes the announcement of 150 projects included in the $3 billion Covid Response and Recovery Fund, and highlights the $210 million investment in climate resilience and flood protection as a stand-out that is well-needed across New Zealand.

The Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) is excited to launch a new pilot programme that will see four rural mayors linking vulnerable youth with employment opportunities in their regions.

Local Government New Zealand is pleased to announce that it has appointed Susan Freeman-Greene to replace outgoing Chief Executive Malcolm Alexander, who announced his retirement at the beginning of 2020.

How does a small provincial and rural council, understated in demeanour, conservative in many areas including financial risk and investment, and humble in its dealings internally and externally, deliver industry best practice in key areas of leadership and engagement?

That's one of the questions raised and answered in the first case…

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) has welcomed the Government’s announcement of a set of targeted tools to improve the quality of freshwater.

LGNZ has welcomed Budget 2020, which allocated significant funding to a number of important initiatives from a local government perspective.  However many of the questions related to how the Government will kick start economic activity and address major challenges like climate change and housing affordability remain unanswered.

LGNZ welcomes the introduction of legislation this morning that will allow the Remuneration Authority to consider pay cuts for local government elected members, in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

A proposal by the Local Government Funding Agency (LGFA) to lift the quantum of its debt covenants to provide more choices and capacity for member councils to raise more debt, should they choose to do so, is welcomed by LGNZ who say that it will give councils and ratepayers more options for boosting the economic recovery of their regions.

A new CouncilMARK™ report released today takes a deep dive into Whanganui District Council’s operations, finding an organisation with a clear strategy and sound service delivery, who are on a pathway to further improvement.

LGNZ President Dave Cull is praising the swift reaction of local communities and councils to the COVID-19 epidemic, citing rapid, high-trust decision-making from elected members and council staff to ensure essential services are secured, and that our most vulnerable people are supported.

LGNZ President Dave Cull says that in light of the COVID-19 crisis, councils around New Zealand are reprioritising spending and minimising rates increases, but that a request from the Taxpayers’ Union to implement a 12-month rates freeze is misguided and has the potential to put the brakes on economic recovery.

LGNZ say a new report from the Deep South National Science Challenge is a reminder for central government policy makers to step up the pace on progressing a national strategy on climate change adaption.

A report released today by LGNZ provides a roadmap for councils finding their way through the complex policy, regulatory and market tools available to help enable more affordable housing developments for New Zealanders.