Local Government, Strategy and Communities is the first major publication of the Local Futures Research Project, a FRST-funded five-year project on strategic policy and planning in local government, based at the School of Government, Victoria University of Wellington. The book provides information and analysis on changing strategic planning practices under the Local Government Act 2002. The experiences of 19 local and regional councils are examined as they worked with their communities to prepare a ten-year Long Term Council Community Plan.

The authors have raised important issues regarding the role of local government in New Zealand; the merits and demerits of strategic planning in community settings; and a whole-of-government approach to strategy development.

Local Government, Strategy and Communities provides a valuable resource for anyone interested in local government, strategic planning and network governance. The authors encourage questioning and debate about policy and planning changes, and identify the strengths, weaknesses and challenges of the new legislation.