Local Government NZ

@hugo_sandall Kia ora Hugo, thanks for your question. We run an induction programme for elected members and offer professional development opportunities throughout the triennium to support both new and returning members.

A question. Are there any councils in NZ that provide mandatory training for newly elected councillors? EG an “Institute of Directors” course comes to mind. Thoughts 🤔? #LGNZ

LGNZ has hailed today’s decision by NZTA that it won’t proceed with controversial changes to emergency works funding. lgnz.co.nz/news/media-rel…

After nearly five years in the role, LGNZ Chief Executive Susan Freeman-Greene has announced that she will be stepping down at the end of August 2025. lgnz.co.nz/news/media-rel…

LGNZ Chief Executive Susan Freeman-Greene spoke to One News yesterday about councillors who have faced online abuse as a result of their roles in local government. 1news.co.nz/2025/04/08/it-…

LGNZ wants the Government to move on GST sharing on new builds, saying it will ensure growth pays for growth and support lowering rates increases. lgnz.co.nz/news/media-rel…

LGNZ has cautiously welcomed the Government’s announcement on Resource Management Act (RMA) reform, saying local communities will need strong input for these changes to succeed. Read more in our media release: lgnz.co.nz/news/media-rel…

LGNZ is warning that a rate cap on councils will increase debt costs and place an additional burden on communities. lgnz.co.nz/news/media-rel…

With NZME planning to close 14 community newspapers, LGNZ's urging the expansion of the Local Democracy Reporting (LDR) scheme to cover more areas. rnz.co.nz/news/national/…

Mayor Rehette Stoltz, member of the Electoral Reform Group joined Mike Hosking on Breakfast to discuss the review of local body elections, which is being conducted in response to low voter turnout. newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-ho…

Mayor Nick Smith, Chair of the Electoral Reform Group, spoke with Q&A about the voting challenges affecting local government. Voter turnout in council elections has been dropping for years, so LGNZ is starting a conversation about how to turn that around. youtube.com/watch?v=7m863R…

Our Young Elected Member (YEM) Hui is underway in Christchurch, focusing on attracting and keeping talented young leaders in local government. With 80 members under 40 across New Zealand, YEM is growing fast, but younger voices are still underrepresented.

Mayors’ Taskforce for Jobs. What’s it all about? We asked Tammie Metcalfe, MTFJ Programme Advisor to break it down for us in under 60 seconds. Ready, set, go!

We support the Government’s response to the recent inquiry into the severe weather events that hit the North Island in 2023. The report found that our current emergency management system isn’t equipped to deal with these large-scale and widespread events. ow.ly/ATYq50TIjfw

Councils are on the front lines when severe weather strikes, helping to keep people safe and start the recovery process. The Taranaki Mayoral Forum has launched the Taranaki Regional Disaster Relief Fund to assist Dunedin in its recovery. nzherald.co.nz/stratford-pres…

LGNZ is calling on the Government to share the increased International Visitor Levy with councils to help cover tourism-related costs. newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/mike-ho…

We’re thrilled that the MTFJ team has teamed up with Gumboot Friday. Founded by mental health advocate Mike King, Gumboot Friday offers free counselling for anyone in New Zealand aged 25 and under.

It is with great sadness that LGNZ acknowledges the passing of Former Westland mayor Bruce Smith. thepress.co.nz/nz-news/350425…

Last week, CE Susan Freeman-Greene and President Sam Broughton met with the Prime Minister and Local Government Minister. Talks took a practical approach to tackle the challenges facing local government.