Local government has a positive future, despite the uncertainty of reform, says Waimakariri District Council senior manager Simon Markham.

Three Waters, local government and Resource Management Act reform and climate change legislation are changing the nature of local government and then there is the challenge of getting people engaged in elections.

But Mr Markham, who has more than 30 years experience working in the sector, said councils would continue to play a role for years to come.

‘‘I don’t think anyone is saying ‘pick up your buckets and spades and go home’. There’s plenty of services, needs and requirements that councils deliver to their communities.

‘‘Councils collect the rates, maintain the roads, provide libraries, community facilities and swimming pools, enforce building regulations and maintain cemeteries.

‘‘You name it we do it. It’s much more than three waters.’’

Mr Markham has worked in local government since the 1980s and during his time at the Waimakariri District Council he led the council’s recovery from the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes as recovery manager.

He planned to leave the council in October to focus on consultancy work, advising councils on the future of local government.

The future of local government panel, led by former Waimakariri District Council chief executive Jim Palmer, presented its interim report earlier this year asking five key questions.

These included the shape of local governance, the role of local government, the relationship with Te Tiriti o Waitangi, relationships with central government and how to finance local government.

‘‘The challenges that we face are significant and it’s different to when the current system was set up in 1989,’’ Mr Markham said.

‘‘Climate change was around in 1989, but more in the academic and research world - and now it’s arrived.’’

One handbrake for councils was funding, with around 90 percent of tax and rates collected in New Zealand going to central government.

This meant councils were increasingly reliant on central government support, while facing an increased burden from legislation, Mr

Markham said.

‘‘When you look at issues like climate change or housing, you need to look at what needs to be funded to meet expectations and what is affordable for a country of our size.

‘‘And then, what should be councils’ share and what should be central government’s share and I don’t think we’ve resolved that yet.’’

Mr Markham said even if Three Waters reform continued down its present path, local government still had a role to play.

‘‘It will change from being the provider of services and infrastructure to being more focused on the wellbeing of communities.’’

But councils had a role to play as advocates for their communities and seeking solutions.

New elected councils will have little time to put their feet under the table, as the future of local government panel was due to present its recommendations in October.

Mr Markham said it will be important for councillors to give feedback, ahead of the final report due to be presented to the Government in June.

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

■ Public interest journalism is funded by New Zealand on Air.