Pee Kay: A Curates Egg?

On the 1st of December, Prime Minister Chris Luxon, and Local Government Minister Simon Watts, announced Cabinet’s decision on how they will cap council rates.

The rates cap will be a variable target band, starting with minimum increases of two percent and a maximum of four percent. All good, so far.

DTNZ: Waikato Regional Council cuts ties with LGNZ....

Waikato Regional Council cuts ties with LGNZ over cost, political leanings, and relevance

The Waikato Regional Council has voted to leave Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ), citing concerns about its cost, political orientation, and lack of relevance to regional councils.

David Farrar: Another Council leaves LGNZ

Radio NZ reports:

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is the latest council to leave national advocacy body Local Government New Zealand.

There were claims LGNZ had become “extremely political”, had swung “far left” and lacked professionalism.

David Farrar: LGNZ Electoral recommendations

Some useful recommendations from the LGNZ working group on local elections.

Move to a nationally consistent system of in-person voting for all local elections that is as similar as possible to parliamentary elections over a two-week timeframe in which to vote, with polling booths in venues where people frequently visit. Preferably by the 2028 local elections or the 2031 local elections at the latest.

If you really want to boost turnout, then I would allow all three methods of voting – postal, in booths and online. Postal is dying, and in booths did not do well in the days before postal.

DTNZ: Western Bay of Plenty Council quits LGNZ amid political concerns

The Western Bay of Plenty District Council has voted to leave Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ), joining several other councils that have cut ties with the national advocacy body.

Critics argued LGNZ had become overly political, lacked professionalism, and failed to represent diverse views, while supporters highlighted its advocacy role, professional development, and mental health support for councillors.