This should be the default setting

"Wellington rates could rise by 8 per cent unless the city council slashes services and increases user fees across all departments in what it labels "austerity proposals"..."

"Austerity" is what I call 'Not wasting our friggin' money'

In other words, cut everything not essential - these are invariably contracted out in any case, so it should be a small step to privatize water, sewer, waste and so on.

Let volunteers groups look after the parks, sports clubs maintain sports facilities and have trusts/ not for profits run facilities such as pool, libraries and museums- assuming people will set up for the facilities they profess to need. Otherwise, leave it to private business or do without.