A draft report into the review of the future for Local Government has been released for public input.

‘He mata whāriki, he matawhānui’, poses recommendations and outlines the need for a local governance system in Aotearoa that is community-focussed, citizen-centred and based on strong relationships and partnerships.

The Central Government review into the Future for Local Government was established in April 2021 as an independent, two-year Ministerial Review. It is described as an opportunity to create a new system of local governance and democracy that will effectively respond to a changing New Zealand and create conditions for communities to thrive.

The purpose of the review is to identify how New Zealand’s system of local democracy and governance needs to evolve over the next 30 years, to improve the wellbeing of New Zealand communities and the environment, and actively embody Te Tiriti partnership.

Mayor Craig Little said the Wairoa District Council will be making a submission to the draft report. He acknowledged that the high number of reforms and reviews that the government has going on has placed a lot of pressure on New Zealanders who want to have their say.

“The Future of Local Government review is a not a Council driven review, but the ramifications for Wairoa, and all Councils nationwide could be significant, and Council will be making its voice heard.

“I know our community probably has submission fatigue; however, it is important we have our say.

“It is reassuring that of all the government’s recent reviews and reforms, that this is the only time we have had people actually come to town and sit down and talk to us which has given me confidence.

“The Panel has experience and understands local government and is keen to see what communities like Wairoa are doing, particularly around the way we work in partnership with our community, and was impressed with our ‘By Wairoa, for Wairoa’ approach. 

“We have been advised the thinking of the Future for Local Government Review Panel has and will continue to evolve, and therefore while this is called a draft report it is more a reflection of the Panel’s thinking to date and acts as a provocation by posing questions that, with further input from others, will help shape the final report that is due in June 2023.”

Mr Little said while Council has a role to support facilitating engagement, this is not Council’s consultation phase. “We have been advised engagement with local and central government, iwi, the business sector, community organisations, rangatahi and the wider public will take place.”

For people who would like to read the draft report, please go to https://www.futureforlocalgovernment.govt.nz/assets/Review-into-the-Future-for-Local-Govt-Draft-Report.pdf or you can collect a printed hard copy version from Council’s reception.

To make a submission please go tohttps://submissions.futureforlocalgovernment.govt.nz/have-your-say/submissions-to-the-review-into-the-future-for/

Submissions to help shape the final report are encouraged and close on February 28, 2023.

Photo credit: https://www.futureforlocalgovernment.govt.nz/

13 January 2023

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