New Framework to Benchmark Council Performance
UPDATE: Tuesday 6 August 2025
This morning the Minister of Local Government announced the first release of council performance information on the Department of Internal Affairs website.
You can find council profiles and group comparison tables, along with supplementary material, on the Department website here: https://www.dia.govt.nz/local-government-performance-metrics.
You can find the Minister’s announcement of the release here: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/stronger-accountability-your-rates.
For more information, see below:
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A new nationwide council performance measurement framework has been introduced to give communities across New Zealand a clearer picture of how their council is performing and how it compares with others.
Led by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), the first set of council performance metrics was published on 31 July 2025. These metrics present key financial and service delivery data in a standardised format, making it easier for the public to access and understand council performance.
Central Otago District Council (CODC) Chief Executive Peter Kelly says the new approach will provide transparency for residents and valuable insights for councils. “Every council in New Zealand operates within its own unique context; shaped by geography, infrastructure demands, population trends and past investment decisions. It’s important that any comparison acknowledges these differences.”
Central Otago’s Unique Profile:
CODC sits within the Small Metro and Large Provincial group of councils, alongside councils such as Clutha, Gore and Waitaki. Among this group, Central Otago:
- Has the second-largest land area at 9,933 km², second only to Westland
- Has the sixth-largest population at 25,500
- Recorded 1.6% population growth last year - above the group median
- Approved a 12.47% increase for 2025–2026
- Maintains a strong financial position, with a credit rating of AA (a stable outlook) and debt headroom at 145.6% - offering good borrowing capacity if required for future investment.
CODC’s operating expenditure of $70.2 million - above the group median of $54.5 million - reflects the broader scale of services required to support the district’s large geographic area and aging infrastructure.
“We are responsible for maintaining infrastructure and delivering services across one of the largest and fastest-growing districts in our group,” Mr Kelly said.
“That scale, combined with ageing assets and rising community needs adds complexity and cost and reinforces the importance of long-term planning and sustainable investment.”
The framework is part of the Government’s broader Local Government Systems Improvement (LGSI) programme and is supported by the proposed Local Government (Systems Improvement) Amendment Bill, expected to enter Parliament later this year. Although the metrics are already publicly available, this is the first time they are presented together in a user-friendly format.
Mr Kelly welcomed the opportunity for open dialogue with residents. “This new framework provides a platform for residents to ask meaningful questions about priorities, performance and outcomes.”
Although the initial metrics focus on financial indicators, the framework is expected to expand over time to include service delivery, governance and contractor expenditure.
More information about the council performance framework is available at https://www.dia.govt.nz/local-government-performance-metrics.
