ANZ Local Government Report 2026
Local Government at a Turning Point: Evidence and Insights From Councils Across Australia and New Zealand
Thank you for downloading Local Government at a Turning Point: Evidence and Insights From Councils Across Australia and New Zealand.
What Pressures Are ANZ Local Government Councils Facing, and How Can Leaders Alleviate Them?
The gap between councils’ mandates and their capacity to deliver on them defines the challenges leaders face and affects how residents experience their local area.
ANZ residents’ satisfaction with the city or area where they live has been dwindling over the past five years. Confidence in the local economy has also declined: The share of residents rating local economic conditions as “excellent” or “good” decreased from 69% in 2021 to 55% in 2025.
To explore the effect these pressures are having on local government, Gallup interviewed 33 council leaders: 26 leaders in Australia and seven in New Zealand. This cohort included chief executives, general managers and directors who shared their perspectives on financial, operational, workforce and community challenges and how their councils are dealing with them.
This report connects the experiences of local communities and residents with key challenges faced by local government leaders.
Download the report for research-based insights and strategies to help government council leaders ensure their organisations are prepared to meet the needs of their communities well into the future.
What Pressures Are ANZ Local Government Councils Facing, and How Can Leaders Alleviate Them?
The gap between councils’ mandates and their capacity to deliver on them defines the challenges leaders face and affects how residents experience their local area.
ANZ residents’ satisfaction with the city or area where they live has been dwindling over the past five years. Confidence in the local economy has also declined: The share of residents rating local economic conditions as “excellent” or “good” decreased from 69% in 2021 to 55% in 2025.
To explore the effect these pressures are having on local government, Gallup interviewed 33 council leaders: 26 leaders in Australia and seven in New Zealand. This cohort included chief executives, general managers and directors who shared their perspectives on financial, operational, workforce and community challenges and how their councils are dealing with them.
This report connects the experiences of local communities and residents with key challenges faced by local government leaders.
Download the report for research-based insights and strategies to help government council leaders ensure their organisations are prepared to meet the needs of their communities well into the future.
Download Local Government at a Turning Point: Evidence and Insights From Councils Across Australia and New Zealand.
Fill out the form below to download the report for key insights on the state of local government in Australia and New Zealand.