Local government trusted to deliver for communities, new poll shows

New research commissioned by LGNZ has found more than twice as many New Zealanders (54%) trust their local council to make decisions for their community than trust central government (24%).

The findings land as more than 600 local government and industry leaders gather in Rotorua for LGNZ’s annual SuperLocal conference this week.

LGNZ President Rehette Stoltz says the results show people see local government as best placed to understand communities.

“Local and central government are working towards the same objectives, but councils have the advantage of being on the ground, close to the people they serve and the needs that are unique to each place.

“Whatever shape local government takes in future, New Zealanders clearly value what local decision-making delivers for their communities.”

When asked if they supported a proposed cap on rates increases of 2-4 per cent a year, 51% agreed. But support fell sharply once people considered the impacts observed overseas:

• 41% said they were less likely to support a cap if it meant higher fees and charges for local services
• 37% were less likely to support it if it meant lower standards for local services
• 36% were less likely to support it if it meant less investment in maintaining or building local infrastructure

“The concept of rates capping is more appealing than the reality. Councils receive around 10% of the tax take but deliver a third of public infrastructure investment.

“Everyone wants costs to come down, including councils. There are efficiencies to be found and improvements to be made, but not at the expense of the services communities need and rely on.”

Rehette Stoltz says rates are different from other household bills.

“Your power bill gets you electricity. Your internet bill gets you a connection. Your rates bill gets a range of infrastructure and services including the roads you drive on, street lights, rubbish collection, parks, playgrounds, your local library and regional transport, as well as emergency management, flood protection and resilience works. It’s many services in one payment, and you get to have a say on how these services and infrastructure are prioritised and funded through local elections.

“Every council in the country is working hard to deliver value for money and essential services.

“The biggest pressures on councils are ongoing, significant increases in infrastructure costs plus costs passed down by central government, not back-office spending.

“Councils are being asked to build more, support growth and meet rising expectations with fewer tools. The maths doesn’t add up.

“Overseas, rates caps have led to maintenance shortfalls, infrastructure deficits and big catch-up rate rises later, all while communities go without. If rates capping is introduced, communities up and down New Zealand need to be ready for difficult conversations about what gets put on the chopping block.”

These topics, along with insights from across the country about the future of local government, will be discussed at the SuperLocal conference in Rotorua on 14-15 October.