Local councils want a new approach to move decision making away from central government and back into communities. 

Local Government New Zealand is proposing city and regional deals, a system which would see councils team up with the government on specific projects. 

Whanganui Mayor Andrew Tripe told Mike Hosking that it will give more control to local communities. 

He says communities know what they want and should be allowed to deliver projects for themselves. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

• New model would see more control in the hands of local councils