2025 Conference

SuperLocal 2025 was held in Ōtautahi Christchurch from 16–17 July, bringing together more than 700 local government professionals.

This year, we got back to fundamentals, then challenged ourselves to think bigger. From core infrastructure to clever ways to do more with less, our speakers tackled the big issues head-on, offering practical ideas and bold thinking to help councils push the boundaries.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the action from the main sessions.

Welcome and mihi whakatau

Mayor Sam Broughton, LGNZ President

Hon Chris Bishop, Minister for RMA Reform and Infrastructure

Jason Paris, CEO One NZ

Hon Simon Watts, Minister of Local Government

Susan Freeman-Greene, CEO LGNZ

Hillmarè Schulze BERL, Seija Wellington Arup, Justin Tipa Chair Ngāi Tahu, Miriama Kamo MC

Sarah Scott Simpson Grierson, Chair Craig Pauling Environment Canterbury, Mark Todd Ockham, Stephanie Styles Boffa Miskell

Hon David Seymour, Deputy Prime Minister

Natalie de Boursac, Local Government, Google Cloud NZ

Rt Hon Chris Hipkins

Hon Dr Nick Smith, Mayor of Nelson

Mayor Rehette Stoltz, Gretchen La Roche Creative NZ, Vajini Pannila Warren and Mahoney, Michael Barnett Former CE of Auckland Chamber of Commerce

Mark Di Somma, The Audacity Group