12. PHIL TWYFORD (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Local Government
Does he stand by all his recent statements on local government?
Hon RODNEY HIDE
Brendon BurnsCan the Minister tell Cantabrians how abolishing their vote for Environment Canterbury councillors can be reconciled with his comments on Monday that “when you are essentially regulating and controlling natural resources such as water and land, the people responsible should be subject to democratic control.”?
Very easily. The decision made to replace the councillors of Environment Canterbury was made by Cabinet and Parliament, the members of which, each and every one of them, were elected to their position to be in Government. My concern over the Waikato River is that half of the representatives on the Waikato River Authority will not be elected by the general population but appointed by local iwi. I also note this difference from the situation with Environment Canterbury: Environment Canterbury returns to democratic elections in 2013, at the latest. That does not happen at all in the Waikato; the co-governance arrangements are for ever.
Can the Minister explain how on Monday democratic control meant: “If the community does not like it, the community can sack them.”, when 3 weeks ago democratic control meant that if the Minister did not like it, the Minister could sack them?
Au contraire. The Minister cannot sack Environment Canterbury. It actually requires Parliament to effect that change. I am sorry the member was not awake through the passage of that legislation.
Mr SPEAKERBefore I call Phil Twyford, it is my understanding that the Labour Party has had its allocation of questions.
I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. On behalf of the Government I am prepared to be very generous and seek leave for Mr Twyford to ask an additional question, because his questions are always so enjoyable.
How can he say that council-controlled organisations will strongly support local government transparency and accountability in Auckland when Local Government New Zealand said yesterday that under his model, Aucklanders cannot be sure where accountability lies, making it difficult for citizens and voters to know who to hold accountable for decisions?
Easy. I disagree with Local Government New Zealand on this matter, and we have had some discussions. I have to say that their understanding of the issue is growing by the day.
No. It is not about who is right and who is wrong; it is actually about understanding the issue. I have to say that Local Government New Zealand has a much better appreciation of the role of council-controlled organisations. I also note that the issue is before the select committee, and I am looking forward to the report back from the select committee to the House.