PublicationsLocal Government Amendment Bill

A Bill amending the Local Government Act 2002 is currently before the Local Government and Environment Select Committee. Submissions can be made until 18 June. The Minister in charge of the Bill is Hon Rodney Hide and he has been vocal about what he intends to achieve. The Minister wants local government to focus on 'core' business, have simplified long-term and financial plans, reduce consultation requirements and provide better opportunities for private sector involvement. As discussed in this paper the Bill achieves these stated aims. The Minister has dropped plans relating to binding referenda.