MEDIA RELEASE

Central government on board with local government events

6 JUly 2012

Local Government New Zealand’s President Lawrence Yule, says the Auckland Council’s decision to host the V8 Supercar races is an example of a robust partnership approach with central government, in the delivery of big events to communities.

Speaking on Breakfast television this morning, Mr Yule was responding to questions about councils being involved in ‘non-core’ services such as large sporting or cultural events like the V8 Supercars races.

Mr Yule commended central government partnering with Auckland Council in hosting the V8s in Pukekohe.

“Local government invested millions in the Rugby World Cup, working alongside central government to deliver a highly successful event. I am confident the same approach, in the case of the V8s, spreads the risk which is very appropriate for an event this size. Local authorities undertake thorough consultation with their communities when they develop their Long Term Plans, and this is where the discussion about financial trade-offs quite rightly sits," he said.

“I think that it’s appropriate that the V8s are being hosted by our Super City. Auckland is our international city and hosting these big events keeps us at par with other major international cities around the world.
“What is less easy to understand, is how central government’s quite proper investment in this event, sits alongside previous statements that activities of this nature are outside the scope of local government. This has resulted in the proposal in the Local Government Act Amendment Bill that the purpose of local government should be more limited.

“The change in the Government’s thinking is welcomed,” said Mr Yule.

ENDS

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