ACT Local has today released its 2025 Local Government Manifesto – a plan to deliver real change and lower rates in communities across New Zealand.

ACT Local Government spokesperson Cameron Luxton says New Zealanders have been repeatedly let down by councils.

“Councils have lost sight of their core job. Instead of focusing on pipes, roads, and rubbish, they waste money on vanity projects, hike rates, and divide communities with race-based policies. Ratepayers deserve better”

The manifesto lays out ACT Local’s commitment to cut waste, deliver the basics well, end the war on cars, scrap race-based policies, and restore accountability and transparency in local government.

“With an ACT Local councillor, you know what you’re getting – the same common-sense approach ACT brings to government. We’ll keep rates low, fix what’s broken, and stop councils from indulging in political distractions

“The manifesto is designed as a clear statement of ACT’s values, but with room for local candidates to respond to the issues that matter most in their communities.

“This is about consistency of values and clarity of purpose. ACT Local candidates will apply ACT’s principles in their communities, tailoring them through local 5-point plans so every New Zealander can see real change and lower rates.

“Voters are sick of councils that overpromise, overspend, and underdeliver. ACT Local councillors will bring discipline, accountability, and fairness back to local government”

The full manifesto, A Manifesto for Real Change and Lower Rates, is available here.

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