This report reveals local councils across New Zealand want more power to make decisions for their communities, rather than having rules set by the central government in Wellington. New Zealand's mayors, councillors, and council chief executives were surveyed and the results show a strong desire for what is known as "localism" – the idea that local communities should have more control over decisions that affect them.

Key findings

• 94% of respondents agreed that central government exerts too much control over local councils. 
• 82% deemed the current power distribution between central and local government to be at least somewhat ineffective.
• 74% support moderate devolution (a mix of central and local control) as their ultimate vision for the balance of governance in New Zealand.