MEDIA RELEASE
Complex role for regional and unitary councils in seabed and foreshore issue, says Local Government New Zealand
For immediate release on 17 December 2003
“We recognise the complexity but also the importance for all New Zealanders in the role proposed for regional and
unitary councils in the Government’s recent announcement on the foreshore and seabed issue,” says Local Government New
Zealand President Basil Morrison.
“Local Government New Zealand will consult widely with its membership to develop a workable basis for consultation in
the proposed 16 regional meetings,” says Mr Morrison.
Neil Clarke, national spokesperson for the regional and unitary councils, says that local government needs to work
closely with the Government on this complex issue.
“Under the Resource Management Act 1991, regional and unitary councils have responsibility for making decisions about
the regulation of many of the activities that take place on the foreshore and seabed,” says Mr Clarke.
“The process will be a significant challenge for regional and unitary councils but it will enable them to build on the
good relationships that they have established with Maori over the last decade.
“We acknowledge the key role of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet in leading this process,” says Mr Clarke.
Consultations will take place with Maori about how to achieve effective participation of Maori in the making of
regulatory decisions affecting activities taking place in the seabed and foreshore.
Ends
Local Government New Zealand is the national voice of all 86 councils of New Zealand.