In late 2023, LGNZ commissioned Kalimena Advisory to produce a paper for local government leaders to provide insight into international experience around city and regional deals, and how this might be applied in the New Zealand context. The paper, and accompanying set of slides, sets out background on the key elements of city and regional deals, different options that have been used in the United Kingdom and Australia, and considerations and key takeaways that could be applied when designing a city and regional deals framework for New Zealand.

As Let’s Get Wellington Moving hits a central government roadblock, the Wellington City Council is turning its focus to a possible city deal. Mayor Tory Whanau said she would be talking to the new government “over the coming months” to discuss priorities and hoped to get the “best deal for Wellington”.