Local leading Local Government NZ

By Frank Neill

Wainuiomata is home to one of the new Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) leaders.

Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry, who lives in the valley, was voted as LGNZ’s new Vice President at the association’s annual meeting, held in Christchurch from 26 to 28 July.

The new President is Selwyn District Council Mayor Sam Broughton. Mayors Barry and Broughton have been elected for three-year terms.

“I’m really excited to take up the role alongside the new President Mayor Sam Broughton,” Mayor Barry says.

“It’s an important role where I’ll be supporting our new President, and the National Council of LGNZ.

“I’m looking forward to advocating for all councils and playing my part in helping shape and navigate what’s ahead,” he says.

“Local government is going through change and uncertainty like never before.

“I see the next five years as critical in deciding what the next 30-50 years will look like for us.

“The current rating system is broken and becoming increasingly unaffordable for many of our residents.

“Quite often central government imposes unfunded mandates on local government meaning we are constantly doing more and are saddled with the increased costs associated with that.

“This means we’re using blunt tools like our rating system to ask ratepayers for more.

“The recently released ‘Future of Local Government’ report articulates the issues really well, and I’m looking forward to working with all councils to find a common position to put forward to the new council post the October general election,”

Mayor Barry says.

Councils have also decided to develop a collective position to take to a new government following the general election on the future for local government.

Mayor Barry says this decision shows local government is being proactive about its future.

“How Local Government is structured and works moving forward is vital for all our communities across Aotearoa.”

LGNZ advocates for and supports the work of councils, community boards and local board throughout the country.

“We arethe voice of the people of New Zealand,” LGNZ says.

“Together with local councils –our members who are living and working in, for and with their communities – we put local issues on the national agenda.

“Our focus is on building a better New Zealand from the ground up.”

LGNZ has this focus “because we know that New Zealand’s economic and social wellbeing is all about healthy

People are struggling out there. Perhaps the big players like Countdown should be cutting their margins and tightening their belts like the rest of us.