Government needs to help build a cooperative approach

25 January 2013

Local Government New Zealand President, Lawrence Yule, has today welcomed the Prime Minister’s desire to work cooperatively with councils to address housing affordability issues faced in some areas of New Zealand.

“However, cooperation and partnership can only succeed if there is true respect between parties,” says Mr Yule.

“Calling council activities ‘ridiculous’ does nothing to build a cooperative approach.

“Councils work within the law and the desires of their communities. Councils have long advised that planning is too complex and too litigious – but the ability to change this does not sit with councils – it sits with Parliament.”

Prime Minister John Key stated that it’s ridiculous that we allow councils to charge whatever fees they want.

“In fact, when councils set fees it is done so in accordance with a process and rules set by law,” said Mr Yule.

“Housing affordability is a complex problem with many different streams to it. This has been acknowledged, as recently as this week, by both the Deputy Prime Minister and the New Minister of Housing.

“Nonetheless, Local Government New Zealand intends to remain at the table with Government to address these issues based on sound analysis and facts,” Mr Yule concluded.

ENDS

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