Big changes for Local Government: have your say!

Big changes for Local Government: have your say!
Tuesday 24 January, 2023
New Legislation
Last year was hugely challenging for the Local Government sector as it faced a constant stream of changes across all areas. Unfortunately, this year looks to be equally as challenging, with Bills relating to RMA, water, and governance all in progress. As Parliament gets underway in the new year, Select Committees are too. Select Committees are currently accepting public submissions on multiple Bills of interest to Local Government, with deadlines closing in the coming weeks. With the information gathered from public submissions, Committees make recommended changes to the proposed Bill, so those affected are encouraged to make submissions. Upcoming deadlines include:
Natural and Built Environment Bill:
Submissions to the Environment Select Committee close 5 February.
Natural and Built Environment Bill - New Zealand Parliament (www.parliament.nz)
Spatial Planning Bill:
Submissions to the Environment Select Committee close 5 February.
Spatial Planning Bill - New Zealand Parliament (www.parliament.nz)
Local Government Official Information and Meetings Amendment Bill:
Submissions to the Governance and Administration Committee close 3 February.
Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Community Participation) Amendment Bill:
Submissions to the Justice Select Committee close 12 February.
Water Services Legislation Bill:
Submissions to the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee close 12 February.
Water Services Legislation Bill - New Zealand Parliament (www.parliament.nz)
Water Services Economic Efficiency and Consumer Protection Bill:
Submissions to the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee close 12 February.
Review into the Future for Local Government
The report on the Review into the Future for Local Government: TeArotake I teAnamatamōNgāKaunihera has been released in draft form, and submissions are now open. These submissions will be considered when preparing the final report for release in June this year. The Review was commissioned in the light of upcoming reform programmes and will recommend to the government ways to achieve a resilient and sustainable local government, with stronger public trust and partnerships with mana whenua.
Submissions close on 28 February.
Submissions | Review into the Future for Local Government - Citizen Space
If you want more information about the changes or assistance in preparing a submission, please do not hesitate to reach out to our experts for guidance.
Talk to one of our experts
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