Local Government New Zealand

05/10/2026

There's a lot in front of local government right now. Long-term planning is underway. A reform storm is approaching. Communities still expect great services. SuperLocal is a working conference built for that reality.

Across two days in Rotorua we'll tackle reform, financial sustainability and what efficient service delivery looks like when every dollar matters.

Join us on 14-15 October.

Register now: www.lgnzconference.co.nz

05/10/2026

From gondolas to buses, public transport was a major topic of discussion at yesterday's conversation with the Green Party's Julie Anne Genter.

We also discussed Julie Anne's stance on the resource management reform, rates capping and the reorganisation of local government.

This zoom series is for LGNZ members to engage directly with political parties on topics that matter to local government. With election campaigns ramping up, we're very grateful to the political candidates from a range of political parties for making the time to speak with us.

29/09/2026

Huge thanks to Chlöe Swarbrick, co-leader of the Green Party, for joining our pre-election political zoom series with LGNZ members on Monday evening.

Chlöe discussed the Ratepayer Assistance Scheme, rates capping, amalgamation, the relationship between central and local government, and many other topics raised by members.

This zoom series is for LGNZ members to engage directly with politicians from across the political spectrum on a range of issues relevant to local government. We've got a wealth of leaders from across political parties speaking about their policies in the coming weeks as we draw closer to the general election.

29/09/2026

LGNZ is calling for the next government to deliver a nationwide, in-person voting system administered and promoted by the Electoral Commission, following decisions made by Auckland Council today.

Read the full media release: https://www.lgnz.co.nz/news/media-releases/auckland-councils-shift-to-in-person-voting-should-prompt-nationwide-reform/

23/09/2026

Councils need greater certainty about next steps in the Head Start process than what the Government announced today, with councils having moved heaven and earth to meet an unrealistic deadline for proposals.

LGNZ President Rehette Stoltz said the Government’s inability to decide which proposals will progress has left councils feeling frustrated.

Read our full media release:

Government announcement has put Head Start in limbo

22/09/2026

Another great conversation as part of our pre-election political zoom series for members – this time with Hon Matt Doocey of the National Party.

Answering questions from the audience, he discussed mental health, the provision of rural and online health services, and local decision making.

This zoom series is for LGNZ members to engage directly with politicians from across the political spectrum on a range of issues relevant to local government.

We thank the politicians for making time for these conversations as we lead up to the general election.

15/09/2026

A bylaw is a rule made by a council that applies within its area. They’re a secondary legislation. They carry legal weight and breaching one can result in a fine or enforcement action. Councils use them to manage things that matter locally but don't need to be regulated nationally, like where you can light a firework, whether a dog needs to be on a leash at a particular beach, how a food stall at a market has to operate. The law puts boundaries on what a bylaw can and can’t do. Making one isn't quick, and it's not supposed to be.

Before a council can adopt a bylaw, it has to satisfy itself that a bylaw is actually the right tool … that the problem exists, that a rule would help address it, and that the proposed rule isn't unreasonable or inconsistent with other legislation. That analysis gets documented.
Then it goes out for public consultation. A statement of proposal is published, submissions are invited and anyone who wants to speak to their submission can do so. The council has to consider what it heard before it makes a final call.

Bylaws also have a shelf life. Most expire after a set term unless the council reviews and re-adopts them. That review process is another consultation opportunity, a chance to ask whether the rule is still fit for purpose, or whether things have changed enough that a different approach makes more sense.

The bylaw-making process is one of the more overlooked corners of local government. It's where councils set the rules for everyday life in a place, and it's open to public input at every stage. Most people only find out a bylaw exists when they're told they've breached it.

14/09/2026

In the second of our pre-election political zoom series, LGNZ members spoke to ACT's Simon Court about key policies that impact local government.

He answered members' questions on a range of topics, such as how the new planning system will work in practice, navigating flood protection, improving social cohesion, and regulatory relief for councils. When asked how the relationship between central and local government could be strengthened, Simon responded, "by listening".

This zoom series is for LGNZ members to engage directly with political parties on topics that matter to local government. We've got a wealth of leaders from across political parties speaking about their policies in the coming weeks as we draw closer to the general election.

10/09/2026

Today we welcomed Opportunity Party leader Qiulae Wong to the LGNZ offices as the first guest in our series of pre-election zooms for members.

Qiulae spoke about her party's priorities for New Zealand and the policies that will have an impact on councils, followed by a Q&A session facilitated by LGNZ Vice President Dan Gordon.

This series gives LGNZ members the opportunity (excuse the pun) to engage directly with political parties on topics that matter to local government. We've got a wealth of leaders from across political parties speaking about their policies in the coming weeks as we draw closer to the general election.

09/09/2026

If you've found yourself using the word reform more than ever this year, you're not alone.
Councils are being asked to adapt quickly. The challenge isn't only understanding what's changing. It's knowing how to lead through it.

How do you make good decisions when the system around you is being redesigned at the same time? At SuperLocal we'll work through these questions with specialists and the council leaders who are in the thick of it.

If reform is shaping conversations around your council table, this is where you need to be.
Register now: www.lgnzconference.co.nz