Over the next 30 years, New Zealand will change a great deal.

These changes will bring new challenges and opportunities to local governance.

The Review into the Future for Local Government is an opportunity to create a new system of local governance and democracy that will effectively respond to a changing New Zealand and create conditions for communities to thrive.

The draft report, He mata whāriki, he matawhanui, outlines the need for a local governance system in Aotearoa that is community-focussed and citizen-centred, based on strong relationships and partnerships.

This report intends to provoke further discussion and invites submissions to shape our final report and recommendations.

View Draft Report

How we got here

Watch the journey of the engagement phase of the Review into the Future for Local Government.

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31 Jan 2023

Public webinars on the draft report

February is the final month to send through submissions on the draft report. Our public webinars were a great chance to hear more about the Panel’s recommendations ahead of writing your submission.

29 Nov 2022

On the road with the Panel

At the beginning of November, we set off on our regional tour to discuss He mata whāriki, he matawhānui, our draft report and recommendations, with councils.

28 Oct 2022

Media release: Review proposes significant changes to strengthen local government system

The Review into the Future for Local Government has published its draft report, He mata whāriki, he matawhānui.
The draft report poses recommendations and key questions to shape a more community-focused, citizen-centred local governance system
Submissions and feedback to shape the final report are open until 28 February 2023.