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2024 12 11 making local government work

Podcast: Making Local Government Work

In this episode, Oliver and Nick discuss the fundamental problems with New Zealand's local government system, particularly how elected officials often lack real power while unelected bureaucrats and chief executives wield excessive influence. Nick's new report "Making Local Government Work" proposes five potential solutions, ranging from implementing a German-style "Super Mayor" model to giving councillors more oversight powers, with some reforms likely achievable under the current Government. Read more

Dr Oliver Hartwich
10 December, 2024
paul brennan

Dr Oliver Hartwich suggests German solution for local government reform on Reality Check Radio

Dr Oliver Hartwich spoke to Paul Brennan on Reality Check Radio about New Zealand's dysfunctional local government system, where elected officials are often powerless against entrenched bureaucracies. He proposed adopting reforms similar to those implemented in Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia region in the 1990s, where they created an "executive mayor" position that combined the roles of mayor and chief executive, leading to more effective local governance. Read more

Dr Oliver Hartwich
Paul Brennan
Reality Check Radio
13 November, 2024
2024 10 17 German lessons for NZ Councils website

Podcast: German lessons for NZ councils: How merging mayor and CEO roles transformed local government

In this episode, Oliver and Nick talk to Oliver Wittke, former mayor of Gelsenkirchen. They discuss a significant local government reform in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, that could offer valuable insights for New Zealand's current system. Read more

Dr Oliver Hartwich
Oliver Wittke
17 October, 2024
2024 08 30 nz herald website

Localism: NZ needs a better system

A short walk from Wellington’s shiny Tākina Convention Centre, a burst water main floods Kent Terrace. This contrast between impressive civic buildings and failing infrastructure captures local government's challenge: finding a balance between ambition, financial responsibility, independence and accountability. Read more

NZ Herald
29 August, 2024

Podcast: The Pulse of Local Government: Insights from New Zealand's Councils

In this podcast episode, Oliver interviews Max Salmon about the findings of a recent survey of New Zealand local government officials, detailed in his latest research note called "The Pulse of Local Government." The survey reveals that local councils generally desire more autonomy from central government, feel financial pressures from population growth, and support localism, but also highlights some contradictions in their views on amalgamation and their relationship with ratepayers. Read Max Salmon's research note "The Pulse of Local Government" here. Read more

Dr Oliver Hartwich
23 August, 2024
2024 08 22 NZ Herald website

Localism Enjoys Council Support

New Zealand’s councils want more of a say over local matters. Informed by local knowledge, they believe they can make better choices for their people than the central government in Wellington. Read more

NZ Herald
22 August, 2024

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