What will the change of Government mean for local government?
Over the next few weeks we will see the National Party plan for how it will implement its new policies and funding commitments. We want to be involved in those issues affecting local government.
I have already made contact with the Prime Minister-elect and with other key members of the National Party. I will be seeking a meeting with the new Prime Minister and Minister of Local Government before Christmas to represent our members' views on how we can assist the Government to achieve its goals, in a way that benefits our member councils.
The National Party has signalled its intention to boost infrastructure by maintaining and increasing investments in that area. Councils are currently carrying out their long-term planning to identify key projects for the next ten years.
There are a range of initiatives in the areas of tourism, water and wastewater, transport and roading, broadband and other infrastructure areas where we can work with the Government to stimulate the economy, and at the same time, bring real benefits to New Zealand communities.
The National Party has also committed to addressing the costs of regulation and compliance, and to reducing the cost impacts of legislation for councils and communities. This is welcome news for councils and we will work through the detail of both of these issues further with the new Government.
Obviously there are a wide range of issues that the new Government will be working through with respect to local government, including the review of the Resource Management Act. I have a commitment from the National Party that it wants to develop an effective working relationship with Local Government New Zealand and its member councils. I will update you on progress as the dust settles and the work gets underway.
Lawrence Yule, President
