Funding on table in local government review
Cash-starved councils could finally get a reprieve, with a review announced into the future of local government, including how councils get their revenue.
Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced the long-awaited review at The Dowse museum in Lower Hutt yesterday morning, promising that it would look into the role of local government following the consolidation of many council roles, representation and governance issues, as well as funding.
The review is set to be the biggest shakeup of how local government works since 1989.
The latest review will reshape how local authorities function over the next 25 to 30 years.
It was sparked after the current Government began consolidating and amalgamating many of the jobs traditionally done by councils. There are plans to amalgamate water services and resource consenting – two of the most important jobs done by local government.
The review will look at what’s next for councils, after some services are taken out of their hands and their power to influence other decisions is diluted.
Mahuta said the review’s mandate would be broad: ‘‘Is legislation that impacts on local government and its legislation fit for purpose? What is it going to take to ensure that we have good strategy leadership in the sector going forward.’’
There will be an interim report due in September 2021 and a draft report for consultation in September 2022. The review panel will report back in April 2023.
Jim Palmer, retired Waimakariri District Council chair, will lead the group, which includes John Ombler, who is best known for his role as controller of the all-ofGovernment Covid-19 response, and Antoine Coffin, a director and consultant on building relationships with tangata whenua.
They’re joined by Gael Surgenor, general manager of community and social innovation at Auckland Council, and Penny Hulse, a board member at Kainga Ora and Auckland Museum.
Mahuta also wants the group to consider how local government can better meet its obligations under Te Tiriti Owaitangi.