Local government reform

Abstract

Local and regional government is a large and vitally important part of the public sector. It touches on almost every aspect of life in New Zealand and provides some of society's most fundamental needs. It employs around 50 000 people and has an annual turnover in the region of $5 billion. Over the past loo'years local government institutions and structures have contributed much to this country's development. But while almost every other aspect of New Zealand life has changed extensively in that time, the structures of local government remain largely unchanged. Reviews over the years have been piecemeal and ad hoc in approach, and have done little to assist local government in adapting in an integrated manner to the changing needs of its communities. The challenges of today's society demand that new ideas and fresh approaches to local government be considered. We must ensure that local government is attentive and responsive to the needs of the communities it sets out to serve, and that the needs of those communities are met in the most appropriate and most effective manner. We need to re-appraise the whole nature and role of local government and re-examine its structures from the ground up.