MEDIA RELEASE
Support for local government’s role in recovery
For immediate release on 2 December 2008
The President of Local Government New Zealand Lawrence Yule welcomed support from the Local Government Centre of AUT
University for local government’s role in helping to address the current economic crisis.
AUT University has released a briefing to the Minister of Local Government that concludes: “local government has a
crucial contribution to make to two national objectives: improving New Zealand’s economic performance, especially in
response to the current economic crisis; and contributing, in collaboration with other sectors, to resolving New
Zealand’s critical social issues”.
“We support the Centre’s recommendations to the Minister of Local Government in three main areas,” said Mr Yule.
“The first is assisting with infrastructure development. Infrastructure is the main driver of council expenditure and
ignoring or delaying infrastructure will only lead to deferred expenditure in future years. Council spending on
infrastructure developments often has a significant impact on local economies.
“The second area relates to reducing the costs of compliance. Many people forget that councils are often implementing
central government-imposed regulations and procedures. We welcome opportunities to work with Government on making some
of the regulations more streamlined and saving councils time and money.”
“AUT is also correct in its view on local government’s potential impact on social issues. Councils are closest to their
communities and have a role in leading and coordinating the right social solutions for these communities. Every day,
councils work in collaboration with central government representatives, businesses and community groups, to address New
Zealand’s critical social issues.
“While some other opinions expressed in the briefing differ from those of Local Government New Zealand and its members,
we agree on these key areas. We look forward to discussing these issues with the Government and the Local Government
Minister,” said Mr Yule.
ENDS