The Prime Minister is delivering a stern message at the annual Local Government New Zealand conference in Wellington: tighten your belt before asking for central government help.

Councils are urging the government to give them more ways to fund themselves, and are pointing to a poll suggesting the public supports accommodation and tourism levies.

James Doolan, Board member Tourism Industry Aotearoa & Strategic Director for the Hotel Council, called Simon Barnett and James Daniels in reaction.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.