Vote Of Confidence For Local Government New Zealand President Basil Morrison

29 May 2002

Local Government New Zealand President Bail Morrison has received a ‘vote of confidence’ from the 86 member councils represented by the national association.

Mr Morrison has been returned unopposed by councils who are required to nominate people to the elected office prior to the AGM which is held each July.

Peter Winder Chief Executive of Local Government New Zealand said that members had expressed their satisfaction with the leadership of Basil Morrison and the two Vice Presidents the Hon Margaret Shields (Chair Wellington Regional Council) and Dianne Hale (Deputy Mayor, North Shore City). ‘The nomination for Basil with no opponents clearly demonstrates that, the role he has played in continuing to build a working partnership with this Government, is welcomed by the sector.’

Mr Winder says that while Local Government New Zealand may not agree with everything the Government does, nor every proposal it puts forward, the sector now has an open and continuing dialogue that sets the scene for real progress to be made. “Basil is very much a part of this ongoing dialogue and we are thrilled the sector has demonstrated this confidence in him.

The two Vice Presidents will however have to participate in an election come July. Mr Winder said ‘Local Government New Zealand has changed the constitution to reflect a portfolio approach so that the National Councillors have more roles and responsibilities. This therefore means that there only needs to be one Vice President.’

The AGM is on 31 July within the 2002 Local Government New Zealand Conference that is being held in Rotorua from 28-31 July.

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