Briefing to the Incoming Minister for Local Government
Briefing to the Incoming Minister for Local Government
Friday 9 March, 2018
The Honourable Nanaia Mahuta
The Department of Internal Affairs prepared a single BIM for the new Minister for Local Government:
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/sites/default/files/2017-12/Local%20Government.pdf
The Department noted that across the country’s six unitary authorities, 11 regional councils, 11 city councils and 50 district councils, there is a wide range of different levels of capacity and capability which can be problematic when the local government sector has to respond to central Government directions.
The Department identified a number of significant challenges currently facing local government in New Zealand including:
- Council rate increases to fund expansion or replacement of essential infrastructure is pushing the limits of affordability for many households;
- Constraints on local government funding sources is creating significant pressure on a number of councils who are fast approaching debt limits;
- Growing visitor numbers is a double-edged sword for many councils – it provides regional and local economic opportunities, but does increase demand on aging infrastructure and community services;
- Community exposure to the consequences of natural disasters and hazards like earthquakes and floods is forcing a fundamental rethink on how land use needs to change in the future; and
- The current planning system in the RMA and LGA is not agile enough to respond to these challenges.
The Department has recommended that the Minister focus on developing infrastructure funding options for local government, promoting greater uptake of community infrastructure, participating in reform of the RMA and LGA, improving community representation in local government and local decision-making and utilising technology to modernise voting in local government elections.
The BIM notes that the Department has recently invested in new capability to support better alignment between central and local government and the new approach is to work across central government agencies, and between local and central government, to support a ‘one system’ approach to delivering local services to communities. Better coordination across central and local governments is intended to provide for better collaboration and a platform to share and build expertise in relation to nationwide policy issues such as: housing; infrastructure; the planning system, tourism, regional economic development; climate change; and natural hazards management.
Our thanks to Karla Kereopa for contributing to this article.
Please contact Theresa Le Bas if you want to learn more about the issues discussed in this article.
Related Articles
Councils challenge to transfer of water services rejected in High Court
Thursday 30 March, 2023
When the rubber hits the road - All aboard Aotearoa's challenge
Tuesday 11 October, 2022
Operative plans and proposed plans: what to do when there is a significant policy shift?
Wednesday 30 March, 2022
Notices of requirement are relevant for resource consent applications
Wednesday 30 March, 2022
Avoidance policies reign in the wake of King Salmon, but what do they require?
Wednesday 30 March, 2022
Court gives guidance on consultation and decision-making process
Wednesday 30 March, 2022
Cultural evidence and the continued draw of the overall judgment
Tuesday 21 December, 2021
Will new housing density rules increase contributions for developers?
Thursday 28 October, 2021
Lease of Wanaka Airport set aside due to insufficient consultation
Tuesday 15 June, 2021
What if an abatement notice requires you to breach the Resource Management Act?
Tuesday 15 June, 2021
“No ‘wine-ing’ covenants” declined for a subdivision consent in Gibbston Valley
Tuesday 15 June, 2021
From car parking fine to judicial review of a council’s code of conduct
Tuesday 15 June, 2021
Councils remain liable for compliance of contractors with the RMA
Thursday 18 March, 2021
Randerson Report released: New Direction for Resource Management
Wednesday 5 August, 2020
Could companies be liable to the public for the harm caused by their emissions?
Tuesday 10 March, 2020
Avoiding double penalties when sentencing a company and director
Thursday 23 April, 2020
Can an easement be granted over an esplanade reserve for a commercial activity?
Thursday 12 December, 2019
Draft National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2019 for consultation
Thursday 3 October, 2019
Local authority requiring monetary contributions on designations
Thursday 20 June, 2019
Bella Vista: MBIE Report highlights failure to perform statutory functions
Tuesday 9 April, 2019
Recent decision on "affected persons" highlights the importance of context
Wednesday 28 November, 2018
Must Councils accept an assertion that a person is ‘suitably qualified'?
Friday 9 March, 2018
