10. Hon MARK GOSCHE (Labour—Maungakiekie) Link to this
to the Minister of Local Government
What were the major topics of discussion at the 12th Central and Local Government Forum this morning?
Hon MARK BURTON (Minister of Local Government) Link to this
A raft of reports were discussed at the Central / Local Government Forum, many of which addressed some of the key issues facing local government and New Zealand going forward. These include sustainability, climate change, infrastructure, affordable housing, and regional economic development.
Yes, I have seen a report that states that the member’s bill in the name of the latest leader of the National Party to reform local government in Auckland is actually part of a wider plan to effectively abolish local government in New Zealand and create a so-called local government tsar who would do little more than oversee the permit and approval process. Further, not only did the self-proclaimed most famous man in Auckland barely manage to pull in 30 people at his local meeting, at least one genuinely famous Auckland National Party stalwart threatened to withdraw whatever support he had for the National Party when he heard of Key’s extremist plans for local government.
Hon Dr Nick Smith
Madam SPEAKERThe Minister was asked for reports; the Minister gave reports. However, the Minister is not responsible for National Party policy.
Hon Brian Donnelly Link to this
Can the Minister advise the House on the progress of the independent inquiry into revenue-raising mechanisms available to local government, and the sustainability of dependence on property rates for this purpose?
Following the confirmation of the terms of reference that were developed in consultation with parties that showed a genuine interest in this matter, including the member’s own party, an outstanding panel of New Zealanders was appointed. I have met with the panel, and the review is now well under way. The panel is to report back by 31 July 2007.
Te Ururoa Flavell Link to this
Is the Minister aware that after the 2001 elections the number of local body councillors who identified as tangata whenua was close to 6 percent, which is considerably less than the demographic proportion of the population at 15 percent, and what initiatives are being introduced to ensure that local bodies foster Māori capacity to contribute to the decision-making processes of the local authority, as they are required to do under the Local Government Act 2002?