LGNZ Welcomes Local Government Bill

Chief Executive of Local Government New Zealand, Peter Winder, today welcomed the reporting back to Parliament of the Local Government Bill.

“From what we understand the Committee has adopted at least three of our recommendations, which is good news for our members. Namely, the reintroduction of the Non Resident ratepayer franchise, the ability to extend the current five-year contracts for Chief Executives without having to re-advertise and clarification that Treaty obligations belong to the Crown,” said Mr Winder.

“These are three issues that our members were largely united on,” Mr Winder said.

“The deletion of the Non Resident ratepayer franchise in the Bill as introduced was of concern because it removed the vote of many council ratepayers and was in conflict with the no taxation without representation principle.”

“Secondly, the inability to extend Chief Executives contracts without having to advertise has been a long standing concern that has resulted in significant costs to councils because of Chief Executives leaving due to uncertainty of tenure.” “Finally, the Bill clarifies the relationship of local government to the Treaty of Waitangi and spells out exactly what this means, removing the uncertainty that previously existed,” he stated.

“Local Government New Zealand is now looking forward to examining the Bill in greater detail,” concluded Mr Winder.

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