1 September 2004
Fortyseven-year-old law in for shakeup
Legislation to improve the accountability of government institutions and meet the recordkeeping challenges of electronic
information technology has been introduced in Parliament by the Minister Responsible for Archives New Zealand, Marian
Hobbs.
The Public Records Bill will repeal the Archives Act 1957 and the document and archive provisions of the Local
Government Act 1974.
"It reflects the changes in technology, legislation and recordkeeping practices that have occurred in the last half
century," Marian Hobbs said. "Public records provide evidence of government activities and are a key component of
ensuring public accountability.They enhance democracy by informing citizens about issues, decision-making processes and
results. They also contribute to who we are as a nation by recording peoples' experiences with government.
"The growth in e-mail and the Internet has created a new set of challenges, including the erosion of administrative
recordkeeping practices and the increasing complexity of recording business transactions. The bill addresses this by
establishing recordkeeping requirements for public offices and local authorities."
The bill aims to: Promote accountability between the Crown, public and government agencies Enhance public confidence in
the integrity of public records Enhance and promote the nation's heritage Encourage the partnership and goodwill
envisaged by the Treaty of Waitangi in relation to public records.
Proposed changes include: A new emphasis on agencies making and keeping records Clear definition of which organisations
are covered by the legislation, and the scope of the records covered Establishment of an Archives Council, to provide
independent advice to the minister
ENDS