Local Government (Systems Improvement) Bill

The expressed aim of the Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill (Bill) is to help alleviate pressure on council rates, by amending the purpose and role of local government so that councils focus on specific core services and “spending on the basics”.

These amendments, and other proposed changes, are intended to address the Government’s concern about a lack of financial discipline by the local government sector.

The Bill introduces five main changes:

  1. Refocusing the statutory purpose of local government;
  2. Placing focus on certain types of “core services”;
  3. Better measurement and publicising of council performance;
  4. Strengthening council transparency and accountability rules, to improve the relationship between councils and their communities;
  5. Reducing some regulatory requirements applying to councils.

LG System Improvements Bill Resources:

Waimakariri District Council's View:

On 27 August 2025 Council made a submission on the Bill. Below is our summary of position and a link to the full submission.

The Waimakariri District Council appreciates the opportunity to contribute to the development of the Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill. We support many of the proposed changes and welcome efforts to modernise and clarify the legislative framework. We also encourage further consideration of the areas highlighted in this submission to ensure the Bill reflects the diverse needs of our communities and acknowledges the responsibilities of local government in delivering these.

Full submission on the Bill

This submission supports a number of aspects of the Bill. However, it does not support a return to a more prescriptive framing of the purpose and role of local government and its core services.

Click here

Next steps

The Bill will return to Parliament for further consideration, taking into account the committee’s recommendations.

Once debated and passed, councils will need to update their policies, planning, and reporting processes to comply with the new requirements.

Submissions on this Bill have closed. Following feedback, and review by a Parliamentary committee, some recommendations have been made before it progresses further e.g. clarification of what are core services, and how cost-effectiveness is defined.

Last reviewed date: 04 Feb 2026