New Zealand Local Councils Mulling More Services: Survey Reveals Many Shortcomings

The Local Government New Zealand and the councils affiliated to it have embraked on a significant program to deliver more value added services to serve the communities better. The country's councils are known for providing important regional infrastructure in developing the local communities.

Independent Appraisal

For an objective appraisal of its services and also to ascertain the satisfaction level of communities thereof, the New Zealand Local Government Survey commissioned a survey with a target of 3000 citizens and businesses across New Zealand. It was conducted by research firm Colmar Brunton. However, the survey results were not very exciting and there was a dismal score. New Zealand's local government scored just 29 out of 100 in overall reputation. As a follow up to the survey, LGNZ and its member councils are now trying to effect a positive change in performance by introducing significant programmes that will give a face lift to the councils in their services.

New Reforms

Under the quality drive, LGNZ will brief councils and local government stakeholders on the plan of action and the core findings of the survey. To add more quality to the existing platter of services, LGNZ has identified six priority areas to introduce reforms.

· Governance, leadership and strategy

· Financial decision-making and transparency

· Asset management and infrastructure

· Engaging with business communities

· Engaging with public

· Stronger relationship with central government

According to LGNZ President Lawrence Yule, each area has been detailed and LGNZ is currently scoping out the metrics and benchmarks to enable councils to optimise the performance. The Colmar Brunton research went beyond recording satisfaction of the users and gauged what communities’ rate as the “best performance” by the local government.

The inaugural Local Government Survey served the purpose of unveiling how New Zealanders are perceiving the local government. The survey results became a wakeup call to strengthen the councils and perk up their performance particularly in governance, financial management, spending decisions and delivering more value for money.

New Lending Pattern

Meanwhile, the Local Government Funding Agency expanded its bond term to the councils as they moved to a 30-year infrastructure planning regime. LGFA now offers a 12-year bond due in 2027 to the member councils. According to LGFA chief executive Mark Butcher, councils have got extended term for their debt to seven or eight years, compared to five years in the past. The councils had to shift to 30-year infrastructure term after the amendments to the Local Government Act came into effect.

(For feedback/comments, contact the writer at k.kumar@ibtimes.com.au)