Are Local Elections Still Local?

New Zealand local government elections will be held in October. Alongside the usual mix of candidates and campaign signs, something else is taking shape. For the first time, the ACT Party has announced it will stand candidates for council around the country. That might not seem remarkable at first glance, but it signals a shift. It’s a clear move by a political party to play a more direct role in shaping outcomes at the local level.

Party affiliations in local government aren’t new. Wellington’s current mayor, Tory Whanau, stood as an independent but brought experience from her time with the Green Party. Others have done the same over the years, often informally. What’s changing now is the level of visibility and the move toward formal endorsement by major political parties, prompting a broader question: is it desirable for local elections to reflect the dynamics of national politics?

Lifting the Bar on Policy and Financial Decisions

There’s an argument that this could be a good thing. Local government election campaigns often suffer from vague messaging and low engagement. When candidates stand with the backing of political parties, they tend to come with defined policy positions and a clearer sense of direction. That can make it easier for voters to assess what’s on offer and to hold elected members to account.

It could also bring more strategic ambition. Local government deals with significant issues, including infrastructure, planning, climate resilience and housing. If party-aligned candidates raise the bar in terms of capability, policy focus and long-term thinking, the result may be more consistent and effective local leadership.

But Is This the Right Fit?

At the same time, it’s important to ask whether the style of politics that parties bring aligns with the purpose of local government. Councils are closest to community. They operate in a space where flexibility, pragmatism and collaboration matter more than ideology. When political messaging takes precedence over place-based problem-solving, something gets lost.

There’s also the risk of increasing polarisation. Councils work best when elected members are able to find consensus, especially on complex issues like growth, land use, service delivery, financing and long-term financial planning. A more combative tone could make decisions slower, more contested and less responsive to what communities actually need.

What Happens When Parties Lose Favour

There’s another question to consider. What happens if a political party falls out of public favour while its candidates are in office locally? Party-aligned councillors could face a reputational hit, regardless of their individual performance. Voters often link local candidates to the party's national direction. Controversies or unpopular policies at the national level might undermine public confidence in councillors who are seen to represent the same brand. That can make collaboration harder, erode trust, and ultimately affect a council’s ability to govern well. Local government needs representatives who can respond to their communities directly, not just reflect a party line.

A Reminder from the Legislation

The purpose of local government is set out in section 10 of the Local Government Act 2002. It is there to support democratic local decision-making and to promote the social, economic, environmental and cultural wellbeing of communities, now and into the future.

That remains the law, for now, although change is on the horizon.The current government has said it plans to remove references to the four wellbeings, arguing that councils have drifted from their core role. A Bill to that effect is expected soon. So while the wellbeings remain part of the legislation for now, the direction of travel is clear. The focus is shifting back toward core services and away from broader community outcomes.

That makes this election even more important. As the legal purpose of local government comes under review, we need to think carefully about what we want our councils to do and what kind of leadership will help them deliver.

Local Voices Still Strong

Not all candidates are turning to party backing. Many are still standing independently or under locally driven banners. My friend and former colleague Timo Neubauer is one of them. He’s running for Mayor of Tasman with a strong focus on data, transparency and regional collaboration. No party behind him, just a thoughtful, well-organised campaign grounded in what matters locally.

Timo says that running without a party label makes it far easier to engage on issues and find solutions alongside the community. Party colours, he notes, tend to shut many doors. He also points out that many people feel disenfranchised and have lost trust in politicians and our liberal democracy. Introducing party politics into local government, he argues, would only make things worse by linking councils to unresolved national issues, like political donations, lobbying access, and contested definitions of the “community interest.”

Timo brings extensive experience as an urban designer, business owner and horticulturalist. He’s spent years constructively engaging with council on Tasman's growth strategy, always with a view to improving outcomes for the community. Now, he’s stepping forward to help lead that work from the inside. You can find more about his approach at https://timo4tasman.nz.

What We Should Watch

This isn’t just about ideology. The involvement of national political figures in local elections raises a broader question: will this strengthen local decision-making, or shift the focus away from community-led priorities?

Voter turnout in the 2022 local elections was just 40.44% nationwide. In contrast, the 2023 general election saw a turnout of 78.2 %. That’s a stark gap. It shows how little visibility local government often has, despite its responsibility for essential services and long-term planning. If increased party involvement brings more attention, clearer policy choices and stronger engagement, that could be helpful. But if it brings more division or shifts the focus away from local priorities, we may see even lower trust and participation.

Where Does That Leave Us

As election season unfolds, it’s worth paying attention not just to who is standing, but how they talk about community, decision-making, and the role of council. Whether backed by a political party or standing alone, the best candidates will be those who understand that local government is different and that its value lies in staying close to the people and places it serves.

That means doing a bit of homework. Look beyond slogans and social media. Attend a candidates' meeting, ask questions, and read their statements. These people are asking to represent your place and your ratepayer money, so it’s worth taking the time to understand what they’re about.

Sources:

• Local elections turnout: https://taituara.org.nz/local-elections-2022

• General election turnout: https://elections.nz/media-and-news/2023/official-results-for-the-2023-general-election