How local government works

The Taituarā LG How Local Government Works (LGHowLocalGovernmentWorks®) programme is an online learning experience designed to give both new and experienced government employees a clear understanding of how local government operates. 
 
Through a series of engaging, self-paced modules, learners gain practical insights into the legislative environment and the unique role of councils. The programme also explores how local and central government connect in critical areas such as transport, infrastructure, climate change, water, and regulatory policy.

Completion time:

The courses are self-paced, but you should generally allow 20-30 minutes to complete each one. Because everyone learns at a different pace, we recommend staggering the courses, perhaps doing one a day, every couple of days, or even one a week if you are new to local government.  We do not recommend completing all six modules in one day. 

Please note: we are committed to ongoing updates of this course as changes roll out across Local Government.

Part 1: Introduction
In this course you’ll learn about:

• What local government is and why it matters
• How it’s structured in Aotearoa New Zealand
• The different types of local authorities and their roles
• The range of services councils provide to communities
• How councils support local decision-making and deliver outcomes for their communities

Part 2: Governance
In this course you’ll learn about:

• What governance means in a local government context
• The roles and responsibilities of elected members and council staff
• How decisions are made at council, including meetings and committees
• How Te Tiriti o Waitangi shapes governance and decision-making in local government
• How accountability, transparency, and ethical decision-making are supported

Part 3: Working Together
In this course you’ll learn about:

• What partnership and collaboration look like in a local government context 
• How working together supports better decisions and shared outcomes
• How councils work with Māori, communities, and other organisations
• How Te Tiriti o Waitangi guides the way councils work with Māori
• The importance of engagement, consultation, and relationship-building

Part 4: Planning and Accountability
In this course you’ll learn about:

• Decision-making in local Government 
• Understanding Te Tiriti o Waitangi in Decision-Making
• Engagement and Consultation, understanding the Difference

Part 5: Regulation and Compliance
In this course you’ll learn about:

• Powers to make bylaws
• Powers of enforcement 
• Other laws that apply to local government

Part 6: Financial Management and Funding
In this course you’ll learn about:

• The management and funding process
• How local government funds its activities

Learners benefit from:

• Practical application: scenarios and examples drawn from real council contexts. 
• Flexibility: accessible online, anytime, to fit induction or ongoing development. 
• Confidence building: helping staff quickly step into their roles with clarity on responsibilities and decision-making.

This programme provides a strong foundation for anyone working in or alongside local government, ensuring staff are prepared to contribute effectively to their organisations and communities.

Why should your organisation purchase this product?

Employees will gain:

• a baseline understanding of the local government sector and an increased knowledge of what
  and how their role relates to the democratic and regulatory environment.
• increased confidence and ability to engage and represent the sector to the community.
• a better understanding of the ‘whole’ system of local government, role and the implications of
  their actions or decision making.
• This is a unique product – it will save you time – no hidden costs i.e. travel, accommodation,
  venue fees, catering, and reduces lost work hours.

Testimonials

• It gave a broad overview of a variety of important topics of the role and function of local government.
• The content is broad and high level. The step-through process in the screens is interesting and keeps you engaged. The bite sized chunks of information between quizzes is manageable for an online course. I find it hard to fault.
• The course provided a very helpful foundation for my new role in local government.