LGNZ and The New Zealand Initiative invite you to a panel discussion on alternative options to enable stronger local economies throughout New Zealand
By international standards, New Zealand has one of the world's most centralised forms of government. In other OECD economies, local government runs health and police services, accounts for the majority of public investment, and typically controls a third of public spending. In New Zealand, by contrast, local government has traditionally been small and weak in comparison with central government.
But is this really the best way to govern New Zealand? Around the world, a new localism is taking hold. Subsidiarity, localised decision-making and devolved powers are the latest trends in good governance.
In the lead up to the 2013 local elections, the issue of localism is highly topical for New Zealand.
Join us for a thought-provoking discussion to explore the chances of a new localism for New Zealand. Dr Oliver Hartwich, Executive Director of The New Zealand Initiative, will present a joint paper on options to enable stronger local economies, followed by a panel discussion with contributions and debate from:
- Hon Bill English, Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister
- Rod Oram, Columnist, The Sunday Star Times
- H.E. Dr Marion Weichelt Krupski, Ambassador of Switzerland
- Lawrence Yule, President of LGNZ & Mayor of Hastings
The event will be chaired by Malcolm Alexander, Chief Executive, LGNZ
The event marks the launch of a joint thought paper by LGNZ and The New Zealand Initiative – celebrating the idea of localism.
Date: Wednesday, 2 October 2013
Time: 5.30 PM - 7.30 PM
Location: City Gallery Wellington, Civic Square, 101 Wakefield St, Wellington