Waikato Regional Council to renew LGNZ membership

Waikato Regional Council will renew its Local Government New Zealand membership following a vote during the April council meeting.

LGNZ advocates for local government interests and supports councils through policy advocacy, sector-wide collaboration, and the provision of tools and training to uplift governance and performance.

A notice of motion from councillor Noel Smith, seconded by Chris Hughes, sought support to end the council’s $91,539.24 LGNZ membership.

The matter of whether Waikato Regional Council should remain an LGNZ member had been discussed by the previous council too, in March, June and July last year.

The notice of motion said continued membership in LGNZ since August 2025 had “yielded minimal benefit” and the “regional sector presents a more suitable avenue for collaboration”.

The motion was lost in a 3-10 vote following extensive debate around the costs and benefits of membership for the regional council, changes LGNZ had made since the start of the new triennium, and whether the council could continue to engage effectively with central government and other councils without it.

Waikato Regional Council Chair Warren Maher said the decision reflected the importance of effective advocacy and collaboration at a time of what could be the most significant change for local government in almost 40 years.

“Remaining a member of LGNZ allows us to engage collectively on issues that matter to our communities and ensure the Waikato’s voice is heard as national reforms progress,” Cr Maher said.

LGNZ had made changes since membership was last debated, he said. “They are getting more buy-in and engagement with ministers. Financially they have stepped up. And the regional sector has a lot more influence as a result of changes around the table.

“Continued participation supports informed decision‑making, relationships and long‑term regional outcomes.”

To provide councillors with better oversight of the work of LGNZ and value being provided going forward, a standing item will be added to full council meeting agendas. The LGNZ leadership will be required to report to council on a quarterly basis on how they are fulfilling their obligations to the regional sector.

At the same time, councillors committed to actively inputting to LGNZ forums on regional issues.

LGNZ membership will continue to 31 March 2027.

Today’s decision followed two separate deputations at the start of the meeting from a member of the community, Brett Murphy, and representatives of Local Government New Zealand.

Mr Murphy told councillors the decision to leave LGNZ should be a “no brainer” and questioned the value of membership for struggling ratepayers. Meanwhile, LGNZ explained how its reset had resulted in a rebuilding of relationships with central government and the importance of a united voice.

Motion vote

For: Noel Smith, Chris Hughes, Garry Reymer
Against: Robbie Cookson, Mich'eal Downard, Ben Dunbar-Smith, Keith Holmes, Kataraina Hodge, Warren Maher, Gary McGuire, Jennifer Nickel, Liz Stolwyk, Angela Strange.

This council meeting was livestreamed and recorded. You can view it here: https://youtube.com/live/eW-xJVjrH58?feature=share