Ratepayer groups from around New Zealand will be signing up to form a national alliance at a conference in Nelson next month.

Photo: supplied

One of the organisers, Nelson's John Walker, said they were hoping for strength in numbers and more clout to deal with central government.

He said more than 1000 people had registered so far, and organisers had lined up guest speakers on law and local democracy.

Mr Walker said it was evident there was a deep discontent among ratepayers in many parts of New Zealand.

He said common concerns were council debt, project-cost over-runs, and deals done behind closed doors.

The weekend conference will be held on 10 and 11 November.