We’ve now completed our first series of online engagement focused on reimagining the future of local governance. Thanks so much to all who have participated. We would like to share the Roadshow's introductory video 'Ki te kāhore he whakakitenga ka ngaro te iwi' (without foresight or vision the people will be lost), a brief initial summary of what we heard from participants, and some key files that were shared prior to the sessions.
In each session we spent some time considering what 2052 might be like for our youngest family members. We then thought about what this meant for local governance and local government. We’d like to invite you to do this too. Please take a moment to view our video above and think about the trends, drivers, and forces of change that will be evident in 2052.
What do you hope 2052 will be like for your youngest family member? If we are to create this preferred future:
- what needs to stay the same?
- what needs to change?
Key themes from the sessions
Here are some of the key themes that arose when we asked these questions in our sessions:
- The future we want for our mokopuna and rangatahi, and the environment they live in, is very different from the one we have now. For example:
- Te Tiriti o Waitangi is the framework for all decision-making and action.
- Society is more equitable. No-one misses out and everyone has the resources they need to thrive.
- Competition has been replaced by collaboration.
- We sustain the environment, and it sustains us.
- The current system is broken and small tweaks won’t be enough. Doing better means fundamental change that focuses on and enables equitable outcomes, enduring relationships and the delivery of agreed priorities.
- Governance and representation arrangements must change to reflect Te Tiriti, partnership and community empowerment.
- Community wellbeing outcomes and equity need to drive activity and investment – not the other way around.
- Holistic local community plans are needed. These plans need to focus on the strengths, needs and aspirations of the community and mana whenua.
- Local government, central government, businesses, philanthropic funders, NGOs, and so on then need to orientate towards supporting and enabling these plans at all levels within the system.
- We need to design, monitor and evaluate decision making, processes, culture and what gets done against criteria and indicators that demonstrate responsiveness to Te Tiriti and improving equity.
- A sustainable sector means some of local government’s current functions and services should be 'managed' sub-regionally, regionally and nationally – not locally.
- Where there is no local discretion or local input required, uniform processes should apply. Bespoke solutions should apply where this will best deliver wellbeing outcomes.
- Local government needs to invest in its own capability to partner in place, share power and walk in multiple worlds.
- We need to look like the communities we serve.
- Our culture needs to change and we need one unified public service.
- Change takes time, resourcing, and unwavering commitment to shared goals over political cycles and staff turnover.
Key files shared prior to the sessions
Council roadshow information pack - published by the Review into the Future for Local Government Panel.
Webinar presentation - published by the Review into the Future for Local Government Panel.
Future for Local Government priority questions - published by Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ).
Get in touch
If you have any questions regarding the Taituarā Future for Local Government work programme, please contact Kath Ross, General Manager, Strategy and Reform or contact Wendy Moore our Principal Advisor.