PSA Press Release
May 15, 2002
The PSA welcomed the opportunity to present its submission on local government to the Local Government and Environment
Select Committee, PSA national secretary Richard Wagstaff said today.
“The PSA has a vital interest in local government and believes the Local Government Bill is an important step in moves
to enhance the public service. The Bill calls for community participation and engagement in local government decisions
and this reflects our partnership strategy in the workforce whereby our members engage with management in
decision-making.”
Richard Wagstaff said the PSA matched its Charter for Local Government to the Bill to work out the content of its
submission.
“The PSA Charter encapsulated the expectation of local government as set out in an explanatory note attached to the
Bill. They both spoke of local authorities being the mechanism by which New Zealanders in their local communities will
promote, in a sustainable way, social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being.”
“While we made recommendations on the bill, we see the legislation as a vital plank in a move to community participation
and engagement. It is essential that communities have a say in determining and achieving what local councils do, how
they decide what to do, and how they do it.”
Richard Wagstaff said the bill brings a new dimension to local government which is not just about rates, roads or
sewage.
[ends]