Local government votes on three important matters

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) members have voted on three remits about topical and important matters for the sector at the 2014 LGNZ Annual General Meeting, held at Nelson.

The first remit was a request that LGNZ advocate to the Government to introduce a more flexible framework to assist building owners to strengthen earthquake-prone buildings, including a variety of financial incentives and tools for meeting the challenge of relatively high insurance costs. Members voted overwhelmingly in favour.

The second remit asked that LGNZ urges the Government to amend the appropriate legislation so that the addition of fluoride to drinking water supplies is a decision made by the Director - General of Health rather than a local authority. The outcome of member voting was strongly in favour.

The third remit asked LGNZ to form a new policy position in relation to legislation and process governing the reorganisation of local authorities; specifically that no reorganisation can occur against the wishes of a majority of potential voters, that independent expert evidence is required to demonstrate that any amalgamation proposal has benefits that substantially exceed the costs, and that all current and potential amalgamation proposals be postponed until legislative amendment occurs. Members voted in favour of this remit.

“We have a mandate from New Zealand’s local government sector to move forward and advocate strongly on these matters,” LGNZ President Lawrence Yule says.

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