A call for the local to be put back into local government.

Local Government New Zealand President Stuart Crosby wants less centralisation in the allocation of public spending.

He says New Zealand is the third most centralised country in the OECD.

Crosby says locals need more control over how money is spent in their communities.

It's part of the Future for Local Government Review panel.

He told Mike Hosking he hopes recommendations from his group are taken seriously.

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