LGProcast · Local Government Professionals Inc

LGProcast - Episode 14 - The Future of Local Government - the Kiwi Perspective

·13 min·1 clip

New Zealand's monumental local government review could reshape councils and offer lessons for Victoria's own reform calls.

This episode examines New Zealand's major review of its local government system and its potential parallels to reform discussions in Victoria, Australia. Hosts of the LGProcast, a podcast for Victorian local government decision-makers, guide the conversation. They are joined by expert guest Catherine Ross, the General Manager of Strategy and Reform at Local Government Professionals New Zealand (Taituarā). Catherine Ross explains the review was a monumental report commissioned by New Zealand's local government minister in 2021. She describes it as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape local government for the future. The review panel was originally established at the request of New Zealand's local government peak bodies, including Taituarā. Its diverse recommendations include reassessing the core roles and functions of councils. The report also focuses on ensuring more accountable governance and appropriate conduct within the system. Catherine outlines that local government in New Zealand is currently under a number of significant pressures. She characterizes the national context as being in a "sea change of reform." The review aims to make the system fit for purpose amid these evolving challenges. A key theme is examining local government data and enforcement processes for potential improvement. The discussion identifies universal themes that may resonate with Australian local government professionals. The episode explores how recommendations for New Zealand might overlap with calls for reform in Victoria. Catherine Ross brings over 30 years of experience in both local and central New Zealand government to the analysis. Her career includes roles at district and regional council levels, up to chief executive positions. The tone is professional, educational, and forward-looking, focused on policy and systemic change. The style is an interview-based conversation, unpacking a complex governmental report for a specialist audience. Local government officials, policymakers, and students of public administration in Australia and New Zealand would find this episode highly relevant. Listeners seeking casual entertainment or non-specialist political commentary might find the content too niche.

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