Local government gets its focus back

Labour’s spokesperson for Local Government Su’a William Sio has today introduced a private member’s bill aimed at supporting local government by restoring their powers of general competence to serve and be accountable to the communities they represent.

“The ‘four well-beings’ – economic, environmental, cultural and social – were a cornerstone of the Local Government Act 2002. They highlight the constitutional role that local government plays in community development and nation building.

“Reforms pushed through by National in 2012 replaced them with the principles of local infrastructure, local public services and regulatory functions.

“The changes were based on factual inaccuracies and misconceptions about the role of local governments.

“The four well-beings endorse Labour’s belief that democratically elected representatives are best placed to make appropriate decisions with, for, and, on behalf of our regions and communities. They are integral to encouraging New Zealanders to participate and take up their right to have a real say on decisions affecting them.

“I want to see the cornerstone of our local government system put back and that’s what this Bill is about,” said Su’a William Sio.

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