Research
Local Government Information Series
Local Government Information Series Reports
The Local Government Information Series is a programme of research, evaluation and information collection about local government, undertaken by The Department of Internal Affairs.
This information is collected as part of the evaluation of local government legislation, and as part of ongoing work on a database for regular reporting on information and analysis about local government.
Report on Issues Related to Water Network Asset Funding
Final Report on Issues Related to Water Network Asset Funding (.pdf) 1.32mb, prepared for DIA by MWH, October 2010.
This report includes case studies of ten councils' 2009/19 long-term council community plans for renewing and maintaining their water supply, wastewater and stormwater systems The report aimed to determine whether there was any significant difference in the investment needed for renewals and maintenance, and the funds available over the 10 year period of the LTCCPs.
The report concluded that from the information available there did not appear to be an infrastructure gap over the next 10 years. Issues were found in relation to the rigour, transparency and specificity of some of the information available, meaning that any ‘gap’ was as much about information, as it was about the state and funding for the assets themselves. The report further recommends an emphasis on detailing maintenance forecasting, and that asset management plans should also focus on the longer term (50-100 years). This report raises a number of important points as a basis for further discussion.
For more research on this topic, see the Local Government Information Series report of LGIS 2009/18 Information on Local Government Water Network Infrastructure (.pdf) 1.04mb.
Briefing to the Minister of Local Government on trends from draft 2009/19 long-term council community plans
This briefing outlines major trends in forecast financial information and observations made by the Department from the draft 2009/19 long-term plans. It includes summary information on potential capital and operating expenditure, income (including rates) and use of debt for the local government sector as a whole, and for selected groupings within the sector. Councils will make final decisions on their forecast financial positions when they approve their final 2009/19 long-term council community plans (these decisions are due by 30 June 2009).
Local Authority Election Statistics 2010
Local Authority Election Statistics 2010
Report of the 2010 election statistics for territorial authorities (district and city councils), regional councils, district health boards and licesing trusts prepared by the Research & Evaluation Unit of the Department of Internal Affairs.
Barriers and Enablers to Participating in Local Government -
Research commissioned by the Department of Internal Affairs to explore the barriers and motivators of participating in local government. Focus group sessions were held with two target communities: Māori and those aged 30-55, in Christchurch, New Plymouth, and Auckland. More information about the study can be found here (file size is 49kb). A summary of the findings can be found here (1MB), and the full report is here (2.05MB).
Community Outcomes Analysis
The Department of Internal Affairs has analysed the community outcomes identified in the draft long-term council community plans of the 85 New Zealand councils. The analysis offers a high level summary only of the information included in the councils' community outcomes and is not intended to supersede its sources. The community outcomes themselves should be referred to for the most accurate picture of the outcomes communities want.
Community Outcomes Analysis (pdf 286kb). To view this document you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader on your PC. You can download Acrobat Reader for free from the Adobe website.
Public Knowledge About Local Government
A survey conducted of ratepayers across New Zealand asked what councils do for their communities and the level of public engagement with councils. The findings are presented in this report.
Public Knowledge About Local Government (pdf 286kb). To view this document you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader on your PC. You can download Acrobat Reader for free from the Adobe website.
Population and Sustainable Development 2003
Published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the Ministry of Social Development, and the Department of Labour, this report explores how changes in New Zealand's population may impact on our future development and wellbeing. Population and Sustainable Development 2003
Quality of Life Survey 2010 Report
The Quality of Life Project was established in 1999 to provide social, economic and environmental indicators of quality of life in New Zealand’s six largest cities. It was initiated in response to growing pressures on urban communities, concern about the impacts of urbanisation and the effects of this on the well being of residents. Quality of Life Survey 2010 Report
Statistics New Zealand
Statistics New Zealand produces a wealth of information about people, households, businesses and economic activity. This web page has links to community profiles at a local authority level, interactive online maps, regional statistics, and urban/rural characteristics.
Statistics New Zealand
Statistics New Zealand produces the General Social Survey every two years to provide a view of how well-being varies across different groups within the greater population.
