Through the Panel's research and engagement, it is clear that significant change is required to many aspects of the local government system to maximise the wellbeing and resilience of communities now and into the future and strengthen local democratic decision-making. Facing these challenges, combined with the pace of change, is causing many of our communities to lose trust in democratic institutions and to disengage. As the layer of government closest to community, local government holds the key to rebuilding trust and confidence in civil society. The challenge is that the current system does not support local government to take full advantage of the important role it holds.

The wellbeing challenges facing Aotearoa New Zealand are too big for central government to address alone – local government has an important role to play. We need to see shifts in mindsets and approaches with greater collaboration and innovation so that communities and local and central government have the tools, funding, and resilience to face the challenges ahead.

Local government has a fundamental role in responding to these increasingly complex issues and raising the wellbeing of communities. Renewal and change are required to ensure that the sector is ready and able to play this critical role.

This draft report poses recommendations and key questions to shape a more community-focused, citizen-centred local governance system in New Zealand. Submissions and feedback to shape the final report are open until 28 February 2023.