Local government explores right-sizing for towns at LGNZ conference

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) hosted a discussion on right-sizing its cities and towns as a response to unprecedented demographic and economic change at its annual conference today.

This discussion was led by Whanganui Mayor Annette Main, Waimakariri Mayor David Ayers, Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon, Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby and Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn .

In a lively session the Mayors explored what right-sizing their towns and cities means and the important decisions that their communities are facing.

The Mayors described their biggest challenge as incorporating expected future demographic and economic changes into their long term infrastructure planning.

Whanganui Mayor Annette Main spoke about the need to restore and lift Whanganui’s reputation and have it recognised as a place with an excellent work-life balance where people can benefit from the gift of local resources. She spoke about the need for education and keep young people and to partner with business, iwi and community.

While the Canterbury area experienced significant damage from the earthquakes, Mayor David Ayers of Waimakariri District spoke about how he towns of Rangiora, Kaipoi and Oxford are now seeing significant rebuilding underway in the town centres. They are making the best of the unique opportunity to resize infrastructure and facilities for the future of the region.

Mayor Meng Foon of Gisborne recognised the importance of strong infrastructure for our regions sitting alongside reserves and planting of native flora and fauna, and spoke about the strong and significant influence of iwi in the local community which is important locally to provide a strong sense of place.

He acknowledged the social issues the community is addressing and applauded the many businesses that are proud to call Gisborne home. The new 1,000-year plan focuses on the environment and arresting erosion and supporting strong collaboration with forestry partners. He also spoke about water being the new gold of the Tairawhiti.

Mayor Stuart Crosby introduced Tauranga as one of the fastest growing areas, by percentage, in New Zealand. To address this growth Tauranga has a proactive strategic response called ‘Smart Growth’ which determines where to put people and infrastructure based on growth projections.

It also provides a platform for collaboration with Tangata Whenua, business, industry and Government.

Three councils in the region plan together as a sub-region in a joined-up way, moving from a crisis or lag situation to just-in-time infrastructure. Tauranga is now in the second generation of its growth projections.

Grey District’s Mayor, Tony Kokshoorn, spoke of tourism as the jewel in the crown for the district, particularly with Chinese visitors. He also spoke of the importance of collaboration with partners and local businesses in the area, and of Ultrafast Broadband as enabling a big opportunity for the relocation of central agencies back into the regions.

Education and the local polytechnic were seen as also a strong focus to both attract and retain young people in the region.

LGNZ President Lawrence Yule said the presentations highlighted the huge diversity and uniqueness of our regions.

“New Zealand is a special place and our communities are right at the heart of it,” says Mr Yule.

Mr Yule said today that nothing is more certain than change and it affects all of us with many parts of New Zealand looking at a future in which their populations are changing in many ways.

“The challenge for councils is to successfully lead their communities to adjust to these new realities and to help communities adjust their expectations to these new realities, ”says Mr Yule.

*Ends*

For more information, please contact LGNZ’s Communications Advisor, Melanie Hillier, on 022 524 1217.

About the 2015 LGNZ Conference

The 2015 LGNZ Conference takes place from 19 - 21 July in Rotorua, attended by nearly 600 local and central government delegates. The three day conference hears presentations from high profile speakers about significant issues and opportunities facing the sector and is a chance for the sector to learn best practice from one another.

The theme of the conference is: leading the charge for our communities.

More information can be found on the conference website here: http://www.lgnz2015.co.nz/lgnz15

About LGNZ and local government in New Zealand

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) is the peak body representing New Zealand's 78 local, regional and unitary authorities. LGNZ advocates for local democracy, develops local government policy, and promotes best practice and excellence in leadership, governance and service delivery. Through its work strengthening sector capability, LGNZ contributes to the economic success and vibrancy of communities and the nation.

The local government sector plays an important role. In addition to giving citizens a say in how their communities are run, councils own a broad range of community assets worth more than $120 billion. These include 90 per cent of New Zealand's road network, the bulk of the country's water and waste water networks, and libraries, recreation and community facilities. Council expenditure is approximately $8.5 billion dollars, representing approximately 4 per cent of Gross Domestic Product and 11 per cent of all public expenditure.

For more information visit www.lgnz.co.nz.

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