The Chief Ombudsman has told the first national meeting of residents' associations they need to unite in some way, to become more effective.
About 100 members gathered at Parliament on Saturday, to debate the future involvement of their community groups with local government.
Local government laws, the possibility of regional support groups and of more super-cities were all being debated.
Chief Ombudsman Beverly Wakem told the gathering councils don't draw on the expertise of the community enough.
She said there was a need for a national alliance of some sort, to strengthen what residents' associations do.
Another speaker, United Future leader Peter Dunne, said the role of residents' associations had been overlooked in debate about Auckland's super-city structure.
At the end of the day, he said, power in the city should reside with communities.
Conference convenor Jarrod Coburn says residents' associations are under-resourced and under-appreciated, and urged more people to support them.
He says the associations want to be involved more in talks with councils and the Local Government Minister.
Mr Coburn estimates there are about 1500 residents' associations in New Zealand.
