In this Post article earlier this week – Wellington vs the world – the key to saving our cities – Susan Freeman-Greene, Chief Executive of Local Government NZ, argues that many of Wellington’s civic problems are down to New Zealand’s wider model for funding local government.
“The system is failing us” she says. “There are tough conversations going on at the council tables about what to prioritise. Unfortunately, there isn’t enough funding to do it all.
“In New Zealand, local government spends just over 9% of all public expenditure, and receives just 6.5% of all taxes. This is starkly different to how most other countries are set up – countries that are home to some of the world’s most liveable cities.”
As a result, says TwentyTwo’s David Lambie, “local councils are struggling not only to maintain infrastructure essentials but also to support the civic facilities that foster stronger communities.”
David – who is heavily involved in the revitalisation of Tauranga’s CBD, as well as collaborating with numerous other councils in New Zealand as part of his work at TwentyTwo – highlights that “the issues councils face extend beyond those currently making headlines. The issues are nationwide.”
“Let’s hope…” continues David, “the new Central Government prioritises a longer electoral term and localised funding solutions, as well as acting on other recommendations outlined in the Review into the Future for Local Government presented in June 2023 which identified five key shifts for the future for local government.
“One of the most concerning observations in the report has to be the statement ‘The current local government system is not set up for future success’” finishes David.
To become the kind of city that hits the headlines as liveable like Vienna, Copenhagen and Melbourne, what does Wellington need to do?
“Longer terms, more of the share of public funding and less centralisation” says Susan. “Long-term thinking, and a commitment to decisions made, rather than constant change that only throws everyone into disarray” she continues. “It’s time to give them a go.”
