Local Government Commission Candidate Information Sheet
The Minister of Local Government (the Minister) is seeking nominations for two positions on
the Local Government Commission (the Commission), the Chair and a Commissioner.
About the Local Government Commission
The functions of the Commission are set out in the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). It is
an independent statutory body that promotes good local government in New Zealand. It can,
at its own discretion or at the direction of the Minister, consider any matter relating to a
local authority or local government.
Information about the Commission’s span of responsibilities and work is available on its
website at www.lgc.govt.nz.
Membership, commitment, and fees
The Commission consists of between one and three members al of whom are appointed by
the Minister.
Commissioners are expected to attend monthly meetings and ad hoc meetings as required.
Preparation time for meetings is normally up to two hours but may take more time when
complex issues are being considered.
The Commission is classified as a Group 2, Level 2 Statutory Tribunal under the Cabinet Fees
Framework [CO (22) 2 refers]. Commissioners receive a daily fee and are reimbursed for
travel and other reasonable expenses
Skills and attributes sought
The Act specifies that candidates must also have either or both of the fol owing:
• knowledge of tikanga Māori;
• experience as an elected member or the chief executive of a local authority.
As wel as the above knowledge selection criteria for these roles includes:
under the Official Information Act 1982
• critical thinking skills and the ability to make robust and fair decisions;
• the ability to interpret legislation and apply legislative requirements;
• knowledge in local government democratic processes;
• strong understanding of the structure of local government;
• strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, including working collegially
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with other Commissioners;
• the ability to think strategically and to see how the Commission’s decisions fit into
the bigger picture;
• an open-minded attitude to new ideas and innovations in ways of working;
• experience working with hapū, iwi, and Māori communities; and
• any other knowledge and experience of local government in New Zealand.
How to apply
Each application must be accompanied by a completed expression of interest form, a current
curriculum vitae, a cover letter, and photo identification (Passport or NZ drivers licence).
Please send the above information to [email address] by 5pm on 25 June 2025
Expression of interest forms and further information about the process are available on the
Department of Internal Affairs’ Statutory Appointments webpage:
http://www.dia.govt.nz/Appointments-to-Statutory-Bodies.
Nominees should note that any nomination received will not necessarily result in
appointment.
Additional information can be obtained by emailing [email address].
The Department may request that the New Zealand Security Intel igence Service conduct
national security screening of the candidate as part of the appointment process.
under the Official Information Act 1982
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14 July 2022
Ms Sue Bidrose
9(2)(a)
Tēnā koe Sue
Appointment to Local Government Commission
I am pleased to advise that I have appointed you as a member of the Local Government
Commission (the Commission) under section 33 of the Local Government Act 2002.
You will be joined on the Commission by Brendan Duffy (Chair) and Bonita Bigham.
Appointment and remuneration
Your appointment is for a three-year term of office commencing on 18 July 2022 and ending
on 17 July 2025. If your term of office expires before you are reappointed, replaced or
resign, you will continue in office until one of those decisions is made. While Te Kawa
Mataaho Public Service Commission guidelines indicate that in general members can be
reappointed for a further term, it is important to note that there is no guarantee of a further
term of appointment.
You will receive a fee of $630 per day and can also claim travel costs and other reasonable
expenses incurred undertaking your duties These fees are set under the requirements of
the Cabinet Fees Framework [CO(19)1].
Conflicts of interest
If at any stage during your term of appointment you feel you may have a conflict of interest
or probity issue, please bring this promptly to the attention of the Chair who will decide how
to best manage the conflict or probity issue. In the event that the issue cannot be managed
effectively, I expect to be informed at the earliest opportunity.
Other matters
You will be contacted by the Local Government Commission to discuss administrative
arrangements for your appointment, including upcoming meetings, your induction and the
under the Official Information Act 1982
Commission’s work programme.
For any questions or comments on the process, please contact Anita Balakrishnan, Director
of the Ministerial, Monitoring, and Capability Group at the Department of Internal Affairs, at
[email address].
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I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your appointment. Your
knowledge and experience will be of benefit to the Commission.
I wish you well for your term of appointment.
Nāku noa
Hon Nanaia Mahuta
Minister of Local Government
under the Official Information Act 1982
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