Unlocking the potential of local government: Activating a wellbeing ecology, in place

This report: Unlocking the potential of local government: An ecology of wellbeing in place draws together insights from ongoing innovation work within local government about the untapped potential of local government as an activator and champion of wellbeing. It was commissioned by the Review into the Future for Local Government (FFLG) to support their Draft Report He mata whāriki, he matawhānui.

Our report draws together practice-based evidence developed over the last 5 years by the Auckland Co-Design Lab, The Southern and Western Initiative and our partners across Auckland Council about the potential of local government in enabling the conditions for community wellbeing. This includes local governments critical role as a place-based systems change leader and partner for central government.

Unlocking the potential of local government outlines three roles for local government that build on its unique public value, assets and proximity to community: Anchor Institution; Placemaker; and Systems Networker and Convener, and shares examples of the roles in action.

The full potential of these roles is only unlocked however when local government operates beyond a transactional use of existing levers focused on short term savings, and towards valuing multiple and longer term wellbeing outcomes.

Drawing on learning from work across central and local government, the report highlights the key mindsets, capability and learning investment that will be needed to achieve this shift as well as the existing strategic opportunities for local government in aligning with some of central government’s current efforts around wellbeing and locally-led responses.