The Western Bay of Plenty District Council has voted to leave Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ), joining several other councils that have cut ties with the national advocacy body.
Critics argued LGNZ had become overly political, lacked professionalism, and failed to represent diverse views, while supporters highlighted its advocacy role, professional development, and mental health support for councillors.
The decision, passed by a narrow 6-5 vote, follows concerns that LGNZ was not adapting to the new government and was promoting a one-sided, far-left, agenda.
Opponents of the move, including Mayor James Denyer, warned that leaving could weaken the council’s influence and risk losing $180,000 in funding from the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs. Despite these concerns, the council’s membership will officially end on March 31.
Councillor Tracey Coxhead told legacy media that LGNZ needed to be non-partisan and, in her view, presentations at its 2024 conference were “largely, although not entirely, pushing a certain agenda, for example, only one narrative on climate change”.
“LGNZ is ignoring the sentiment of a large proportion of the membership,” she said.
Thank you for standing up for your people, that should help stop rate increases I take it?
The corporate carrot (funding) and the corporate stick (fines) is what really drives decisions of councillors, not what’s in the best interests of ratepayers. Good on you Western Bay of Plenty, stick it right up em.
LGNZ have pushed there agenda and removed any debate. They need to be cancelled.
No one elects them.
Good move i feel LGNZ is pushing agenda 2030 and we defiantly don’t want that.
Excellent, our local council standing on its own feet without unwanted influence and mandates. These lefty views often lack commonsense and constructive actions. Good on western bay and others alike.
Is LGNZ a private incorporated business whose trading name differs from its incorporated name?