Local trust in councils reflects the value of local representation

Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton says new research showing New Zealanders trust local councils more than central government reinforces the importance of protecting local voice through local government reform.

The research commissioned by Local Government New Zealand found 54% of New Zealanders trust their local council to make decisions for their community, compared with 24% who trust central government.

Mayor Kirton said the findings were no surprise.

“We know our communities because we are our communities. We understand the challenges people face, alongside their hopes and aspirations for the places they call home.

My fellow elected members and I are available to talk about local concerns. People can raise an issue directly with someone who knows their community and can help get things moving.”

He said recent community engagement on the Government’s Head Start council amalgamation directive had highlighted maintaining local voice as a top priority.

“People want local leaders on the ground, connected to their communities and with a deep understanding of local issues. Whatever changes come, we need to protect that connection and the ability to act on it.

Whether it is securing funding for local health services, challenging policies that affect our rural economy, advocating for our ski areas, the Chateau Tongariro, or forestry mill workers, or getting old carriages removed from local rail yards, strong local advocacy is critically important.

These issues need representatives who will keep raising them and pushing for action. We cannot assume they would receive the same attention without a local council and local elected members," he said.

Rates caps come with difficult choices

Mayor Kirton said the poll also highlighted the gap between the appeal of rates capping and its potential consequences.

While 51% supported a proposed annual cap of 2–4%, respondents were less likely to support it when asked to consider higher fees, lower service standards or reduced infrastructure investment.

“I understand why rates capping sounds appealing. Rates are already too high for many Ruapehu households, and people need relief.

But a cap does not make the cost of maintaining roads, running libraries or collecting rubbish stand still. If costs keep rising while rates income is restricted, the pressure shifts into higher charges, reduced services or deferred maintenance.

Ruapehu has long focused on basic services. Even so, cost increases outside our control and Government requirements without matching funding are making it increasingly difficult to keep rates affordable while maintaining the services people want and value," he said.

“Like other tourism districts Ruapehu needs realistic, dependable Government funding to help meet the infrastructure costs of hosting visitors. It is unreasonable to expect our small ratepayer base to fund infrastructure serving a much larger visitor population and supporting the national tourism economy.”

Council is reviewing service levels in preparation for its new 2027–2037 Long-Term Plan.

“These discussions are bringing the choices into sharper focus. People value their services, but we need to be honest about what they cost and what communities can afford.

Councils need to be accountable for their decisions and spending. Government needs to be equally accountable for the costs and responsibilities it passes on.

Council must keep looking for efficiencies and better ways of working. We also need Government to recognise that some savings will mean changes people will notice.

Our communities need us working constructively together, with realistic funding and an honest conversation about what people can afford and the services they can expect," said Mayor Kirton.

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