September 2026 update

Local council rules change

The Act changes local government rules and councils’ stated role in providing local services and infrastructure.

Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Act 2026 · Starts 19 Sep 2026

What's changing

Who's affected

Local authorities and the communities they serve are affected by these changes to the Local Government Act 2002.

When

Most provisions start on 19 September 2026; the specified parts may start earlier on a date the government sets, but will start by 30 June 2030 at the latest.

Background

The Act changes the stated purpose of the Local Government Act 2002. The supplied text does not give the government’s reasons for making these changes.

Read the official text on legislation.govt.nz