In a Council meeting this morning (Thursday 26 March), New Plymouth District councillors have voted to renew their membership of Local Government New Zealand for another 12 months.
The motion to remain was put by Mayor Max Brough, who explained he was late to this morning’s council meeting as, ironically, he was on an LGNZ Zoom conference with around 170 people – including government ministers – regarding an energy-related announcement being made tomorrow, and it brought home the importance of remaining a member.
“I am happy to remain providing they follow through on some of the commitments they have made” he said, despite having campaigned against it.
Councillor Damon Fox argued against remaining a member, saying he made a point of speaking to senior leadership while attending an LGNZ event a month ago, and they "haven't acknowledged what the issues are."
During debate, he said the membership cost, equating to approximately $2,000 per week, doesn't provide that amount of value for our District.
Councillor John Woodward moved an amendment making it clear that remaining a member is not an endorsement of the status quo, stating:
“That having considered all matters raised in the report, Council Renew LGNZ membership for 2026/2027, and makes it clear that this is not an endorsement of the status quo, but a short-term measure to:
- Give LGNZ the opportunity to deliver the reform and rebrand it has publicly committed to; and
- Allow these changes to be tested and proven in practice to the satisfaction of Council; and
- Avoid placing unnecessary and immediate workload pressure on Council staff during any transition; and
- Conduct a structured review to consider membership for the 2027/2028 financial year prior to March 2027, acknowledging that continued membership will require clear measurable, and meaningful improvements in LGNZ’s performance, accountability, and value to this Council and the community it serves.”
The amendment passed without division while the substantive motion passed with 13 For and 2 Against.
