Future for Local Government Review | Hamilton City Council

What is the timeline?

A review of the role and function of local government was initiated in April 2021 by the Minister of Local Government.

September 2021

Ārewa ake te Kaupapa | Raising the Platform

An interim report - Ārewa ake te Kaupapa | Raising the Platform – was presented to the Minister signalling the probable direction of the review and key next steps.

April 2022

Engagement

Engagement with New Zealand communities and organisations over the future of local government. Read more below.

September 2022

Consultation

Draft report and recommendations issued for public consultation.

October 2022

Draft report

The due date for the draft report has been revised twice. The draft report is now due to the Minister of Local Government on 28 October 2022.

April 2023

Final report

Review presents final report to the Minister and Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ).

What does the interim report say?

The report identifies the significant changes and challenges facing local government. These include:

The lack of central government's acknowledgement of the role and responsibilities of local government.
Financial pressures for local government to manage growth demand while maintaining rates at acceptable levels for the community.
The continued introduction of 'unfunded mandate' of health or environmental standards.
The complexity of the range of legislation local government operates under.
The challenge of representation and engagement of the community.
The emerging pressures of climate change and associated cost pressures of this.
The demand to develop information systems that provide customers the best interaction alongside addressing cybersecurity issues.

How was the community involved?

The review panel engaged with New Zealand communities and organisations over the future of local government using five priority questions to open conversations between April to July 2022. The key questions posed were:

How should the system of local governance be reshaped so it can adapt to future challenges and enable communities to thrive?
What functions and roles should local government hold in the future?
How could local governance embody an authentic partnership with Te Tiriti o Waitangi to build the conditions for prosperity and wellbeing?
What needs to change so local government and its leaders can best reflect and respond to the communities they serve?
What changes are required to the way local governance is funded in order to ensure viability and sustainability, fairness and equity, and maximum wellbeing?