Welcome
Local Government New Zealand's annual conference was held at the Auckland SKYCITY Convention Centre from Monday 26 - Wednesday 28 July 2010.
A fantastic set of international guest speakers addressed the big issues around regional economic development, and with all eyes on the Auckland region as it makes the transition to a super-city we were at ground zero with the people who know what has to happen and where we're heading.
Conference presentations are now available for downloading.
Some words from LGNZ President Lawrence Yule
If ever six words could sum up the last year, they've been; the economy, the economy, the economy.
So it's with great pleasure that I invite you to attend LGNZ Conference 2010 - ‘Building Prosperous Places.'
As we climb slowly out of recession and into tentative growth, our focus must now be on making sure we don't talk ourselves out of growing our economy and growing business confidence.
This is why this year's conference about economic development, prosperity and how to encourage optimism and hope, is going to be so critical.
Three excellent international keynote speakers will examine these themes and help you clarify your vision for the cities, provinces and regions you lead or belong to.
This year of course brings even more focus on local government politics as we head into elections, while the creation of the Auckland super city will redefine local body politics for Aucklanders.
We expect interest to be high and I look forward to seeing you all in Auckland's fantastic SKYCITY Convention Centre for what I think is going to be a memorable event. See you all soon.
Lawrence Yule
Host Mayor John Banks welcomes you 
I'm enormously proud of Auckland - it's a great city full of life, heart and soul.
As a former local councillor, regional member and minister of local government, I have a great admiration for the work of local government in New Zealand.
So it is with great pleasure that this year it plays host to this much anticipated annual conference.
I look forward to Conference 2010 with much interest. Economic development, prosperity and what prosperity means are themes close to my heart. For me prosperity isn't just about dollars - it's about a way of thinking and a generosity of spirit that comes with success and feeling good about ourselves.
This is what we all strive for in our cities, towns and regions.
And as the economy picks up we must focus on maximising that aspirational mindset and creating opportunities for growth.
With a greater Auckland, the responsibility for economic development and attracting investment will become even more critical.
I look forward to meeting you at Conference 2010 where these fundamentally important issues will be discussed and debated.
Hon. John Banks QSO
