Councils agreed this week to develop a collective position to take to the Cabinet of the new government after this year’s general election.
"If we’re going to be taken seriously, we need to speak with one voice," Central Otago District Mayor Tim Cadogan said. Time was needed for that voice to "coalesce", he said.
"If local government doesn’t lead this discussion, who’s going to?"
The plan is for Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) to work with its members until October to develop the substance of the consensus position.
The sector has been under strain amid concerns over funding, reform of Three Waters and resource management and debate about what the future of local government should be. An independent panel’s final report reviewing the future for local government was published last month and had 17 recommendations.
Mr Cadogan expected the report would provide a strong starting point for discussion.
LGNZ chief executive Susan Freeman-Greene said funding and financing needed to evolve.
The sector would need to work through some areas where views differed, she said.
"We are taking a deliberate, considered approach to ensure that such an important opportunity for genuine system change doesn’t fall victim to political football during the pre-election period.
"A strong, thriving local government that’s built on trusting partnerships between central and local government, as well as with communities, will secure a bright future for future generations."
