Local Government New Zealand congratulates new Prime Minister the Hon Bill English and says it is looking forward to continuing to build a strong relationship with the Government under its new leadership.

LGNZ President Lawrence Yule says local government has had a strong working relationship with the new Prime Minister in his capacity as Minister of Finance and will look to continue this.

“We have worked together on a range of initiatives including the Local Government Funding Review, Local Government Risk Agency, The 3 Waters project and issues like housing affordability,” Mr Yule says.

“The Hon Bill English has a strong understanding of the issues the sector faces and a willingness for collective decision making.”

The new Prime Minister has indicated there will be a focus on infrastructure and as the managers of much of the country’s water and roading infrastructure this is something local government will welcome.

“Local and central government share many of the same goals – the health and wellbeing of our communities – so it is vitally important that we have a strong relationship and work together.  We won’t always agree but we must remain in dialogue and I am certain the lines of communication will continue to be open.”

Mr Yule also paid tribute to the outgoing Prime Minister the Rt Hon John Key.

“Over the years we have had an excellent relationship with the former Prime Minister and have been able to have many free and frank discussions.  We have appreciated the access and the opportunity to present the views of our members and lead policy debate,” he says.