Submissions to the Review into the Future for Local Government

Overview

On 23 April 2021 the Minister of Local Government (the Minister) established a Review into the Future for Local Government (the Review).

Purpose and scope

The traditional roles and functions of local government are in the process of changing. The work programmes the Government is advancing to overhaul the three waters sector and the resource management system are foremost among a suite of reform programmes that will reshape our system of local government.

The overall purpose of the Review was to identify how our 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 Treaty partnership. 

Findings and recommendations

Over the course of its work, the Review reported to the Minister and published three reports.

• On 30 September 2021: The interim report, Ārewa ake te Kaupapa, was presented to the Minister to signal the probable direction of the Review and key next steps.
• On 28 October 2022: The draft report, He mata whāriki, he matawhānui, and recommendations were issued for public submissions.
• On 28 February 2023: The period for submissions closed.
• On 19 June 2023: The Review presented its final report, He piki tūranga, he piki kōtuku, to the Minister and Local Government New Zealand.

Terms of reference

Read the Terms of reference.