The Problem with Local Body Candidates Aligning with National Political Parties

The problem with local body candidates aligning with national political parties

Political party affiliations in local government are not actually the norm.

Just the ticket? The problem with local body candidates aligning with national political parties

Getty ImagesWith accusations flying thick and fast last year about supposed “dysfunction” and a “shambles” at Wellington City Council, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown stepped in and appointed a Crown Observer. Announcing the move, Brown said the “financial and behavioural challenges” facing the council represented a problem under the Local Government Act. Part of the issue, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon claimed recently, was that there…