Policy Proposal for Local Councils in New Zealand:

Objective:
To enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of local councils by focusing on core services, curbing overspending, and ensuring better representation through direct community engagement, including both elected officials and council staff, using a zero-based budgeting strategy.

Part I: Core Functions of Local Government

Councils must prioritize roading, waste management, and water supply. Both elected officials and council staff are to focus their efforts on these core services. Non-core spending must be justified by community approval and should not impact these services.

Part II: Financial Oversight and Efficiency

Implement a zero-based budgeting strategy where every function within the council, including actions and intents of both councillors and council staff, must be justified for each new period. A cap on rate increases is set to inflation plus population growth, with exceptions for emergencies or community-approved projects. Both council members and staff are accountable for financial decisions. Annual publication of detailed financial reports on spending is required.

Part III: Accountability and Representation

Implement an online platform for ratepayers to voice opinions on councillor and staff performance, spending, remuneration, and the rationale behind their budgetary decisions under the zero-based budgeting system. Polls should influence decisions at all levels of the council. Consider term limits for elected officials and introduce performance reviews for both councillors and key staff members, influenced by ratepayer feedback, focusing on how well they align with the zero-based budgeting strategy.

Part IV: Enforcement and Compliance

Regular audits will assess compliance of the entire council, including staff, with particular attention to adherence to the zero-based budgeting principles. Financial penalties and potential government intervention apply for non-compliance by any council member or staff involved in decision-making or budget management.

Part V: Implementation

The policy will be rolled out over two years, with a task force overseeing the implementation, which includes the establishment of the online polling system that covers both elected members and staff. The training on zero-based budgeting will be part of this rollout, ensuring all council members and staff understand this approach. Public education campaigns will detail how ratepayers can engage with this expanded system, emphasizing the role of council staff in local governance under this new budgeting strategy.

Conclusion:
This policy aims to refocus local councils on fundamental responsibilities while ensuring that both elected officials and staff operate with transparency, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement in mind through the adoption of zero-based budgeting. This approach ensures that all expenditures are critically evaluated each budgeting cycle, enhancing accountability and efficiency. It requires collaboration among all council members, staff, ratepayers, and the central government to achieve sustained improvement in local governance in New Zealand.