Q&A with Hon Simon Watts, Local Government Minister

Hon Simon Watts has been the MP for North Shore since 2020 and a Government Minister since November 2023, holding the Energy, Revenue, Climate Change, and Local Government portfolios.

Previously, as Opposition spokesperson for Local Government and Associate Finance, he developed key policies now being implemented, including Local Water Done Well and City and Regional Deals, and led efforts to repeal the Three Waters legislation.

With a background in global banking and financial markets in London, Simon also serves as a volunteer with St John Ambulance and is a registered paramedic.

Who inspires you?

I’m inspired by the people around me—my family, my team, my colleagues, and the communities I serve. I firmly believe that you’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with. These people's dedication and drive inspire me every day to work harder and make a real difference for the North Shore and New Zealand.

What is your vision for local government?

As Minister of Local Government, my vision is for a financially sustainable sector that works in true partnership with central government to drive economic growth and productivity in our cities and regions.

Councils, like central government and households, face financial pressures. That’s why we need a local government system that is efficient, responsive, and focused on delivering the core services that matter most to ratepayers. By streamlining operations, reducing unnecessary costs, and fostering collaboration, we can ensure councils remain effective stewards of their communities—supporting growth while keeping rates affordable.

How do you think your professional experience prepared you for this role?

My professional experience has given me a strong foundation for the role of Minister of Local Government. During and after the Global Financial Crisis, I held executive roles at one of the world’s largest investment banks. That period taught me how to make decisive decisions under pressure, navigating large scale, complex and challenging economic conditions—skills that are essential in government, particularly when managing financial sustainability and reform.

In addition, as Opposition spokesperson for Local Government, this experience has given me a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing local government, ensuring we can deliver practical, effective solutions for communities across New Zealand.

What do you think local government’s strengths are?

Local government’s greatest strength is its deep connection to communities. Councils understand their ratepayers’ needs and expectations better than anyone, which is why locally driven solutions are so important. They are best placed to deliver services that directly impact people’s daily lives and ensure local priorities are met.

We also see the critical role councils play in times of crisis. During events like Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland Floods, councils were on the front lines of response and recovery, working alongside central government to support communities. That local leadership and trust are invaluable, and by strengthening our partnership, we can ensure councils continue to serve their communities effectively.