A review into local government has reimagined the way councils operate.
It wants a shake-up of income streams for councils, so there's less reliance on rates.
This includes making central government pay rates for its properties and giving councils GST generated from rates.
The report also recommends amalgamating regional, district and city councils that occupy the same area.
Jim Palmer is the chair of the review panel, and he spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.