The body that represents all 78 of New Zealand's local authorities has brought out a set of guidelines for how councils can work better with local business interests.
Local Government New Zealand's 'Business Friendly Councils' guidelines are designed to encourage economic development across the country by identifying the different ways councils can support local businesses.
The guidelines were produced by LGNZ in partnership with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
LGNZ said the project was "an explicit attempt by local government and its partners to increase support of business activity across all of New Zealand".
LGNZ Metro Sector Chair Stuart Crosby, who is also the mayor of Tauranga, said that in creating the guidelines LGNZ invested in research to better understand the role and economic contribution our six largest cities make to the New Zealand economy.
"This research identified competitive advantage, distinctiveness and specific areas where collaboration can add value
"The guidelines give each city-region a set of key principles for becoming more business friendly."
Six principles have been identified that are intended to reduce the regulatory and non-regulatory barriers, costs, risks and uncertainties in all forms of commercial activity to stimulate and support local business growth, local business retention and the attraction of new business to the local area.
These are:
- Build excellent relationships and partnerships – at the heart of a business friendly council;
- Context matters – identify local challenges and local business needs;
- Provide certainty and clarity for business decision-making;
- Make every interaction with business count;
- Be proactive and look for opportunities to support businesses; and
- Respond rapidly and flexibly to business after major emergencies.
LGNZ said that local government was nationally investing over $8 billion in infrastructure and services annually that enable businesses to operate effectively.
President of LGNZ Lawrence Yule said:“We are a significant and major player in New Zealand’s economic development. Critical to our success in this role is our partnership with central government and business,
"Business Friendly Councils provides an opportunity for LGNZ to further develop an evidence based conversation with the business community on how our sector can help support the economic development of New Zealand."
LGNZ said the guidelines represent the "sharing of best practice" and are available to all of local government as a resource to help create business friendly cities.
"The guidelines will assist councils around the country to promote prosperous and resilient local economies providing good living standards for local communities that contribute to New Zealand’s economic prosperity."
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