Media release: Council yardstick needed to lift performance
Wellington (20 June 2016): The New Zealand Initiative has welcomed the launch of LGNZ’s Excellence Programme, saying the introduction of a local government performance benchmark was overdue.
The programme aims to independently rate participating councils on four criteria, using a simple ranking system. The criteria are leadership and governance, financial decision-making, service delivery and asset management, and community engagement.
“There is a glut of local government data out there, but unless you’re an expert it is almost impossible to use this information to gauge council performance,” said Research Fellow Jason Krupp. “LGNZ’s independent yardstick has the potential to cut through this complexity, and increase transparency and accountability in a sector that spent almost $9 billion of ratepayer money last year.”
Local government is a key research area at the Initiative. The most recent report, The Local Formula: Myths, Facts & Challenges, found that many perceptions of poor council performance tend to be exaggerated. However, there was scope for councils to lift performance, particularly in the area of enabling economic growth – a key policy goal for central government.
“It’s widely accepted on the sports field and in the board room that you can’t control what you don’t measure,” said Krupp. “That wisdom is as applicable to local government, and should help inform decisions at the ballot box.”
ENDS
To arrange an interview please contact:
Simone Evans
Communications Officer, The New Zealand Initiative
Phone +64 4 494 9109
Mobile +21 2937 250
simone.evans@nzinitiative.org.nz
About The New Zealand Initiative
The New Zealand Initiative is an evidence-based think tank and research institute, which is supported by a membership organisation that counts some of the country’s leading visionaries, business leaders and political thinkers among its ranks.
Our members are committed to developing policies to make New Zealand a better country for all its citizens. We believe all New Zealanders deserve a world-class education system, affordable housing, a healthy environment, sound public finances and a stable currency.
The New Zealand Initiative pursues this goal by participating in public life, and making a contribution to public discussions.
For more information visit www.nzinitiative.org.nz