14025 (2026). Mike Davidson to the Minister of Local Government

Written Question

Published date: 28 Apr 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	14025 (2026)
Question asked:	14 Apr 2026
Member asking:	Mike Davidson
Portfolio:	Minister of Local Government
Minister replying:	Hon Simon Watts
Answer received:	22 Apr 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_14025_2026
Document guid:	d62cdb7d-eaaa-446a-a319-e7962656b160

14025 (2026). Mike Davidson to the Minister of Local Government: Have any financing issues been identified with any work associated with the simplifying local government work programme, and if so, what are the issue/s?

Hon Simon Watts: The Government considers that funding and financing for local government needs to be sustainable for ratepayers. A key motive for the Simplifying Local Government proposal is to achieve efficiencies and reduce cost pressures on ratepayers. In the context of a particular proposal, it is up to councils to demonstrate those efficiencies. The Government’s expectation is that council groupings will undertake rigorous cost-benefit analysis to support Regional Reorganisation Plans.