Reforms don’t happen in isolation. It’s the cumulative impact that can really stretch council finances and operational capacity. Nick Davis and Sarah Baddeley from MartinJenkins will unpack how multiple changes are landing at once and what this means for your organisation. Walk away with a sharper understanding of the pressure points and how to plan for what’s ahead.

With referenda on Māori wards and constituencies set for the next local elections, councils need to be ready. This session looks at how to support Māori elected members and how to communicate clearly with your communities about retaining or establishing a Māori ward or constituency. Our panel of experts from Te Maruata will provide insights, advice and guidance to help councils navigate the referenda.

Local elections provide an essential mandate for local government. Yet, declining turnout and a declining postal system threaten local democracy in New Zealand. Join members of LGNZ's Electoral Reform Working Group for a deep dive into their recommendations to modernise the local electoral system. This is your chance to understand the thinking behind the position paper to help you inform your advocacy.

With upcoming reforms refocussing the purpose of local government, removing the wellbeings, defining core services, what does this mean for the current work of councils and the way they engage with their communities? This session is your chance to understand what these changes might mean for your council and for local government more broadly.