New Zealand Local Government Initiatives Welcome

Hugh Pavletich FDIA
Performance Urban Planning
Christchurch
New Zealand

May 6, 2010

Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill 142-1 (2010), Government Bill – New Zealand Legislation

Refer 261 A & B. Note focus on core activities. Read explanatory notes at beginning as well.

In due course I would expect “performance measures” to be broadened, following the release of the Alan Dormer led Urban Technical Advisory Group Report for the Minister for the Environment, Hon Dr Nick Smith.

It appears likely that with the release of this Report, there will be accompanying Ministerial Statements from the key Ministers involved being (1) Local Government (2) Environment (3) Housing (4) Building and (5) Infrastructure.

Dealing with these local government issues effectively, requires a “whole of government” approach.

Over the past five years or so in dealing with housing issues, I have stressed the importance of getting clear, reasonable and easily understood “performance measures” thinking inculcated in to the local government sector. And further to this, that there needs to be a performance based relationship between central and local government, with the appropriate institutional arrangement put in place. I touch on these issues within the Welcome Page on my website Performance Urban Planning.

One of the major difficulties to date, is that local government has not been provided with adequately clear direction and expectations from central government. The local government sector and most importantly the too often poorly informed ratepayers, should welcome these initiatives from central government.

This country is going nowhere until local government is sorted out – so that it is better disciplined to play its necessary role in New Zealand’s development – in social, environmental and economic terms.

ENDS

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