A recent Local Government New Zealand Survey of 600 businesses and 2,400 residents across New Zealand rated local councils 29 out of 100 for their overall reputation.
Of particular concern, respondents rated councils just three out of 10 for communication and interaction, performance and local leadership.
Consistent with public perception, reports by the Office of the Auditor-General, and other expert bodies have regularly pressed for improvement to governance, planning and asset management practices.
In response, Local Government New Zealand and its member councils have embarked on a development programme aimed at improving governance; leadership and strategy; financial decision-making and transparency; asset management and infrastructure; engagement with communities; and business and partnership with central government.
Local Government Minister Paula Bennett has put council amalgamations on hold but she has called on councils to rededicate themselves to the issues that matter to people and communities — more jobs, sustained growth, and sensible spending on reliable infrastructure.
