North Canterbury Mayors Say They Are “Stronger Together”

Thursday, 13 June 2024, 8:26 pm
Article: David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

North Canterbury’s mayors say there are benefits in working together.

While other councils are debating the merits of Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) membership, the Waimakariri, Hurunui and Kaikōura councils remain committed - for now.

LGNZ president Sam Broughton and chief executive Susan Freeman-Greene recently visited the Waimakariri and Hurunui councils to promote the benefits of working together.

Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon is the zone five (top half of the South Island) chair and a member of the national council.

‘‘Our position is we are stronger together,’’ he said.

‘‘We may not agree with every position, but we have an opportunity as a member of LGNZ to shape its advocacy. 

‘‘LGNZ has the capacity for sharing resourcing, advocacy on behalf of councils and making submissions.

‘‘We are capable of letting our own voice be heard, but there are more opportunities when working together, especially for smaller councils.’’

The Christchurch City Council has been considering its future in LGNZ, while several councils including Auckland Council and the West Coast Regional Council resigned their memberships last year.

The Christchurch, Waimakariri and Selwyn councils work together as part of the Greater Christchurch Partnership. Selwyn’s Mayor is LGNZ president Sam Broughton.

‘‘I respect Christchurch to make their own decision on that,’’ Mr Gordon said.

‘‘They are our friends and it is their call.’’

Hurunui Mayor Marie Black said her council had not discussed its membership for sometime.

Her view was, it was better ‘‘to be inside the tent’’.

She said LGNZ has an important role in ensuring ‘‘local voices are heard". 

Kaikōura Mayor Craig Mackle said he was also a supporter of LGNZ.

‘‘We see the benefits in working together.

‘‘LGNZ has been really good at getting the message out nationally about the pressures on Long Term Plans, so people can see it is not just local ratepayers being picked on.

‘‘Being part of LGNZ definitely works for us.’’

Mr Broughton said local government was facing a number of challenges.

‘‘The last 12 months have been particularly challenging and it seems like there are a whole lot of things being thrown at us.

‘‘Long Term Plans used to see rates rises of three or four percent and anyone above 10% was unusual, but this year there were few councils below 10%.’’

He said LGNZ provided national advocacy, presented parliamentary submissions on behalf of members and had the capacity to provide councils with ready-made policies and manuals which could be adapted to suit local communities.

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