Teaching central government about Oamaru Hospital could open the door for more funding opportunities, Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher says.
Mr Kircher expected the video, one of a number of LGNZ initiatives detailing various councils’ additional roles, to be shared among the local and central government sectors, broadening officials minds on "what the possibilities could be".
"It’s to tell our story," Mr Kircher said.
The opportunity highlighted the benefits of the district’s health services, including Stronger Waitaki, and the collaborative efforts.
"This is just one example of many of where local communities, through their connectedness, and local decision-making, can actually do better and deliver better — that’s really what the big message is.
"It’s not about councils themselves doing everything, it’s about communities doing it, and councils playing a role within that."
If the Government understood the model, it could allow for more funding for health services, Mr Kircher said.
Main problems included mental health and addiction, spending in the age care sector, early intervention for marginalised community groups and access to services.
"It can have more economic benefits, but it’s about actually targeting the money where it’s needed, at the local level and ... making sure people have early access to some of the things.
"It’s really just more effective spending of the money."
"The health sector spending never quite keeps up with the demand, so the health sector is always about rationing and limiting, and because of that, it doesn’t necessarily always take on the equity and outcome stuff," Mr Marshall said.
Mr Marshall, who was permanently appointed in the role in February, had experience in both the health and council sector, and hoped the video would serve as a wake up call for central government.
"Central government ... doesn’t really understand local government ... It really doesn’t understand what happens out in the field."
