John Key

Wellington, July 25 NZPA - A high-powered line-up including international speakers will have input at the Local Government New Zealand conference starting in Auckland tomorrow.

The "Building Prosperous Places" conference will be officially opened by Prime Minister John Key, with various government ministers and local mayors having their say along with local government representatives from Australia and Britain.

Local Government New Zealand president Lawrence Yule said the conference would explore opportunities to build on the role councils play in ensuring economic development.

"It will look at best practice from overseas in areas of regional and city development, infrastructure and the relationship between central and local government."

Mr Yule said the upcoming elections and creation of the new Auckland super city put a focus on the sector and the two-day conference was a good opportunity to learn about the critical issues facing councils.