SHAPING OUR FUTURE TOGETHER • STRENGTHENING LOCAL DEMOCRACY • CONNECTED COMMUNITIES • AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND •
Next Generation Local
Our communities are more than places on a map. They are the towns we call home, the neighbourhoods where we belong, the whenua beneath our feet, the rivers and coastlines we treasure, the businesses that create opportunity, the marae that sustain our culture, and the schools and organisations that bring us together.
Local democracy is about all of us—and the future we choose to leave for those who follow.
Join us in shaping that future.
The Opportunity
Across New Zealand, communities are facing challenges that no single institution can solve alone. Climate change, ageing infrastructure, housing pressures, affordability, changing community needs, and declining trust in public institutions are reshaping the places we live. These are not simply local government issues—they are shared national challenges that require communities, local government, central government, business, iwi, and citizens to work together to make better decisions for the future.
Renewing local democracy is a shared responsibility, and everyone has a role to play. We invite people from every community to help shape a future where decisions are made closer to the people they affect, grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, shaped by the unique character of each place, and strengthened through genuine partnerships between iwi and Māori, local government, central government, business, community organisations, and citizens. Together, we can build a more connected, resilient, and democratic New Zealand.
This is the beginning of a serious national conversation about how Aotearoa New Zealand can renew local democracy, strengthen our sense of belonging, and create a new charter or compact for place-based decision-making. At its heart is a simple belief: the future of our towns, cities, neighbourhoods, and regions should be shaped with the people who know them, care for them, and will live with the consequences of today's decisions.
Our places are carrying more than they can manage alone. Climate disruption, ageing infrastructure, housing pressures, affordability, social change, and declining trust are testing the resilience of communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. Yet too many decisions remain fragmented, centralised, short-term, and disconnected from the lived experience of the people and places they affect. Next Generation Local invites everyone to join a national conversation about a simple but important question: what would it take for local democracy to truly belong to the communities it serves?
Next Generation Local exists to help start that conversation and help shape that future through international and local research along with a deep understanding of Local Government in New Zealand.
We are committed to a practical, place-based model for local governance that puts communities first, encourages innovation, strengthens accountability and supports sustainable regional prosperity.
Let's work together to build an Aotearoa New Zealand where local democracy is trusted, communities are resilient, and every place has the opportunity to shape the future it will leave as a legacy for generations to come.
Take Action for Your Place
Our mission relies on the energy and expertise of people who care about their communities. Whether you're a local leader, a business owner, or a resident, there's a place for you in the Next Generation Local movement.
There are many ways you can help
Voluntary Expertise
If you have specific skills that you could provide on a voluntary basis, we want to hear from you. We are specifically interested in financial skills, Local Government Legal skills, Local Government governance, Economic Development Agency leadership skills.
Donate
Coming soon, a donation platform that enables you to donate, quickly and easily.
NGL is a charitable trust so you can be sure any donation will contribute to our stated mahi.