The Simplifying Local Government proposal is a step backwards, which risks weakening local government’s ability to address climate change adaptation and mitigation, freshwater pollution and allocation, and indigenous biodiversity loss in a way that meets community needs - these are issues that are critical to the environmental, social, cultural and economic wellbeing of communities in Aotearoa New Zealand.
In February 2023, Forest & Bird made a submission on the Review into the Future for Local Government draft report, ‘He mata whāriki, he matawhānui’.
The submission emphasised the need to prioritise environmental wellbeing in the purpose of the Local Government Act, strengthen central–local government relationships, and establish joint funding mechanisms for complex issues such as climate change adaptation and the protection of indigenous biodiversity, which are fundamental to resilient and healthy communities, and a thriving economy.
The Review’s final report, ‘He piki tūranga, he piki kōtuku’2, released in June 2023, set out 17 recommendations across five key reform areas. These included embedding intergenerational wellbeing in local government’s purpose, strengthening Te Tiriti‑based partnerships, and establishing a dedicated Crown department to improve collaboration between central and local government.
While Forest & Bird recognises that reform is necessary to ensure local government is fit for the future, we are concerned that the proposed Simplifying Local Government consultation misses the mark and does not adequately reflect the recommendations of the 2023 review, despite that consultation’s extensive and well-informed process.
Download and read Forest & Bird's submission: