Bob Edlin: LGNZ chief to step down in August.............

LGNZ chief to step down in August – but some councils have already left (because it’s ‘far left’, a councillor says)

Local Government New Zealand President Sam Broughton paid tribute to Susan Freeman-Greene’s leadership after she announced she will be stepping down as chief executive at the end of August 2025

She has been in the job for almost five years.

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.

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.