This report focuses on the bridge between central and local government in New Zealand. It identifies and analyses mechanisms employed by central government to directly or indirectly support local government and communities in achieving sustainable development.

The paper is a stocktake of key central government information and other support mechanisms relating to the creation of sustainable development strategies, policies and programmes, all of which may impact on local government. It focuses particularly on initiatives developed between 2005 and 2007.

The objective is to describe the range of sustainable development-related activities that many working in central and local government, and the wider community, may be only partially aware of. This may assist in furthering cross-sector initiatives that address environmental, social and economic needs. Some commentary on the likely efficacy of initiatives is included.