A Canterbury mayor isn't pulling any punches over the strain between central and local government

The first major review of the local government sector in more than 30 years asks for a raft of changes, including improving the relationship.

Future for Local Government Review also recommends transferable votes and a voting age of 16 in local elections.

Canterbury Mayoral Forum chair and Timaru mayor Nigel Bowen says he'd describe relations as stressed.

He says that's partly because he doesn't think central government has a good understanding of what they deliver for their communities.