New era for local government

Local government is entering a new era. Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) is committed to raising governance standards and providing value-for-money services for New Zealand ratepayers.

Opening the 2013 Local Government New Zealand conference today in Hamilton, President Lawrence Yule outlined a suite of new initiatives to increase local government capability and delivery.

“To play our full part in a successful New Zealand we need optimal governance and operations,” Mr Yule said.

“Lifting our game in these areas lowers the risk for those we represent.”

Mr Yule signed a Heads of Agreement for a new professional development partnership with the Institute of Directors to provide governance training for mayors and councillors. He and the Waikato Branch Chair of the IoD, Margaret Devlin, signed the agreement on stage following Mr Yule’s conference opening speech (see other media statement for more details).

Mr Yule also announced that LGNZ will partner with the Local Government Association of Queensland to help develop new shared services for New Zealand councils. LGAQ initiatives have resulted in millions of dollars in savings to Queensland ratepayers.

In addition, LGNZ is working on establishing a Centre of Excellence to provide expert advice and product services on a range of critical matters.

LGNZ will begin a series of seminars on topics that affect councils and their communities. Again, the emphasis is on building knowledge and expertise across the local government sector and engaging local and national stakeholders.

Mr Yule said the local government sector needs to improve how it promotes itself, particularly explaining why council services are important to communities and New Zealand.

“LGNZ will consider ways to promote local government. We must tell our story better,” he said.

To promote councils and local government, Mr Yule launched a refreshed LGNZ brand, ‘We are. LGNZ.’ The new brand signifies a more cohesive voice for the local government sector.

“As a sector, and as LGNZ, we are well on our way to lifting our game. We are positioned to transform communities and build a successful New Zealand.”

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