Event Details

Building on the success of the 2024 collaboration between The Post and Infrastructure New Zealand to deliver Future Proofing New Zealand: The 2050 Infrastructure Forum, the parties are joining forces again, this time to investigate local government and whether it's broken funding system can be fixed. Join us on Wednesday 18 June at the Wellington Public Trust Hall. Doors open at 5:15pm, with a 5:35pm kick off.

This year’s forum will feature David Seymour (Deputy Prime Minister), Simon Watts (Local Government Minister), Tangi Utikere (Labour Local Government Spokesperson) and Shane Jones (Regional Development Minister). It will be moderated by The Post's National Affairs Editor Andrea Vance and livestreamed on both The Post and Stuff.

Speakers will examine the future direction of regional economic development. With regional deals now a key priority for central government, we’ll hear what these partnerships are expected to deliver, and what challenges lie ahead.

A panel discussion will follow, featuring key thinkers in the local government space, including The Post’s Political and Economic Affairs Editor Luke Malpass and Infrastructure New Zealand’s Katie Bradford, will unpack the big issues.

The evening will also include exclusive, pre-release polling insights from international firm Freshwater Strategy, shared under Chatham House Rules.

Presenter Details

Forum:

David Seymour - Deputy Prime Minister

Simon Watts - Local Government Minister 

Tangi Utikere - Labour Local Government Spokesperson

Shane Jones - Regional Development Minister

Moderator: Andrea Vance - The Post's National Affairs Editor

Panel:

Luke Malpass - The Post’s Political and Economic Affairs Editor 

Katie Bradford - Infrastructure New Zealand's Engagement and Strategy Manager