Submissions close today on the bill to remove the ‘four wellbeings’ from the law governing councils. It’s a step in the wrong direction, argues former Auckland deputy mayor Penny Hulse.

After more than 30 years in and around local government, I have watched with interest as the “four wellbeings” have become a political football – removed and reinstated in the Local Government Act as the politics of the time plays out. While communities consistently value and champion wellbeing, successive governments use it for political point-scoring. Now, we face the risk of losing them again – and with them, a vital part of what councils do best.

The language of “back to basics” has too often been used to justify recentralisation – stripping councils of their mandate under the pretext of fiscal responsibility. It’s a political manoeuvre, not a cost-saving measure: one that shifts power away from local communities and into the hands of central government, under the guise of efficiency.

The government of today stands on a platform of localism and supporting communities to deliver on their unique aspirations. Removing the four wellbeings (social, economic, environmental and cultural) flies in the face of this promise. It is also a real lost opportunity to work with local government to collaborate on projects to stretch the central budgets. Unlocking local wisdom and community-led innovation depends on local government being treated not as a contractor, but as a genuine partner.

All communities want good water quality, safe roads and robust infrastructure. Over 80% of rates – closer to 90% in many councils – already goes toward water, roads and core infrastructure.

The remaining 15% of local government budgets fund sports fields, playgrounds, pools, libraries and community houses – to name a few. For decades, councils have partnered with NGOs, iwi and social agencies to make limited resources go further – often delivering outcomes central government cannot. While modest, these investments act as catalysts. Through vision and strong community partnerships, councils stretch every dollar further – leveraging donated time, local sponsorship and mobilised communities to deliver events, festivals, safety initiatives, town centre revitalisation and meaningful opportunities for connection in our neighbourhoods. 

That’s exactly why the independent Future of Local Government review panel – informed by community voices across Aotearoa – recommended entrenching the four wellbeings in legislation. The advice was clear: the wellbeing mandate must not be subject to the political mood of the day. Councils are the layer of democracy closest to the community. 

Weakening their ability to reflect what matters to people – especially through centralising decisions – risks fraying the vital connection between local government and local voice. At a time when communities need to feel seen and heard more than ever, removing the four wellbeing pillars is a step in the wrong direction.

In my work on that review, we engaged with every council in Aotearoa – listening to community leaders, iwi, NGOs and businesses on what they need from local government. Again and again, we heard this message: councils are not just service delivery agencies – they are critical partners in helping communities realise their own aspirations.  

All mayors, councillors and elected members are responsible for spending wisely, and each one of them takes this extremely seriously. The process of setting rates is transparent and democratic and far more accessible than budget setting by central government. Councils are democratically elected and must be able to reflect the wishes of their communities.

Let’s be clear – central government doesn’t fund or deliver local economic development, tourism, urban regeneration or many climate adaptation projects. Yet these are exactly the initiatives communities expect from councils – and that councils deliver with minimal funding and maximum innovation. 

If your local councils can’t do this, who will?

We are running out of time. Social cohesion is eroding. Trust in government is slipping. From Cape Reinga to Bluff, we are facing mounting pressures: the climate crisis, deepening poverty, unaffordable and inadequate housing, and persistent health disparities.

Central government cannot solve this on its own. They need to partner with communities to deal with these complex challenges and they must partner with local government to mobilise the strengths that already exist in our communities. This is a ludicrous time to force a capable and willing partner out of the room.

Across Aotearoa, the four wellbeings have come to life in countless ways: libraries partnering with schools to provide homework programmes, community events that have grown into regional mainstays, and road redevelopments that serve broader community needs.

One clear example is Play Streets, where Auckland Council, Waka Kotahi and Healthy Families Waitākere and South Auckland worked together to safely reclaim quiet streets for play – building connection, confidence and belonging one afternoon at a time. These kinds of partnerships strengthen neighbourhood connection, support tamariki to move freely and bring the four wellbeings to life in everyday spaces. The initiative proved so effective it is heralded as an example of best practice in the Manaaki Tāmaki Makaurau: Auckland Open Space, Sport and Recreation Strategy.

Small community grants can change lives – building trust through environmental and social initiatives.

Town centre revitalisations offer a place for people to gather – boosting foot traffic and supporting local economies.

Instead of strengthening this crucial partnership, the government risks pushing councils back into an adversarial role – one that stifles innovation through arbitrary benchmarking and a narrow definition of “core services”.

Our country needs leadership that instills hope and shows care for all our diverse communities and understands the complex and intergenerational impact of their decisions. 

Our country needs leadership that shows care, understands complexity, and builds long-term solutions with communities – not for them. 

This is the work of local government – grounded, hopeful and relentless. Wellbeing is not a trend; it’s a duty. And a political wobble won’t undo decades of community-driven progress. It never has!

Penny Hulse has spent more than 30 years working within and alongside local government, including over 27 years as an elected member. She served as deputy mayor of Auckland, chaired the Environment and Community Committee, and was a member of the independent Future for Local Government Review Panel.