28 February 2019
#localismNZ: Bringing power to the people explains the rationale behind localism and responds to commonly heard objections. This essay explains how unusual New Zealand's centralism is when compared internationally. New Zealand's councils have limited fiscal autonomy. Their mandate is also much more restricted that local government in other parts of the world.
New Zealand needs to debate the evidence and ideas that underpin localism. The New Zealand Initiative and LGNZ are calling for a shift in the way public decisions are made in New Zealand, by seeking a commitment to localism.
Read the full publication (1.7 MB)