Local Government New Zealand

Brown also claimed that exiting the LGNZ would save the Auckland Council NZ$640,000 a year, helping to reduce its debt.

Local Government New Zealand also carries out policy work and interacts with areas such as the Resource Management Act.

There are six geographical zones, which elect representatives to the National Council and meet regularly, as well as four sector groups, metropolitan, provincial, rural and regional, which also elect members to the National Council and meet regularly to discuss and provide feedback on policy issues.

There is a Māori Advisory Committee, Te Maruata (consisting of Māori elected members) and the Community Board Executive Committee (representing community boards, sub-municipal elected bodies found in just over half the cities and districts).

The National Council employs a chief executive who operates a secretariat which advises the National Council; prepares submissions on relevant legislation and regulations; promotes good practice; leads strategic communication and provides a professional development program for elected members.

Scheduled for a half day once a year, they are jointly chaired by the Prime Minister and the president of Local Government New Zealand.

[12] In 2021, the awards were judged by Dame Kerry Prendergast, diplomat Sir Maarten Wevers, and think tank director Dr. Oliver Hartwich.