The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi (PSA) welcomes the comprehensive work of the Future for Local Government Review and believes it offers some sorely needed solutions to long-standing problems.
"Workers in local government work extremely hard for their communities", said PSA National Secretary Duane Leo, "They need a system that supports them and their communities to come together and thrive".
The report suggests several new sources of revenue for local councils, and central government needs to look at them seriously. "We know that funding is one of the biggest issues facing local government", said Leo, "and we're pleased to see recommendations about more central government support. But shuffling existing funds from central to local government will not be enough".
PSA supports the recommendation that councils be required to strengthen their partnership with Māori. Requiring councils to develop their workers' capability in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, te ao Māori values, mātauranga Māori, tikanga, and the whakapapa of local government would build skills in the workforce and make local government a better Te Tiriti partner.
Local and central government need better ways of working together to improve the wellbeing of local communities "We back the recommendations that would help this happen", said Leo, "We're all one public service working towards the same goal of helping our communities flourish".
The next government needs to progress the conversation that this report has started. The PSA will continue to review all the report's recommendations in detail, and is keen to know what aspects of the report parties will develop if they're part of the next government.
The voices of workers need to be heard as the future of local government takes shape. "The next government must keep engaging with workers in local government as it makes any reforms", said Leo, "These workers know their mahi and their communities - those making changes should continue to recognise their skills and work".
