HUTT CITY COUNCIL NEWS RELEASE

18 AUGUST 2016

Unease with local government changes evident at Parliamentary hearings

This morning, Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace presented two oral submissions to the Select Committee on the Local Government Act 2002 Local Amendment Bill (No 2).

Both submissions raised serious concerns with the proposed Bill that will affect local government across the country.

Mayor Wallace first spoke on behalf of mayors of the region, who made a joint submission. They cited concerns at the lack of consultation and the short timeline in setting this important piece of legislation, and requested an extension to allow for more discussion.

Mayor Wallace was joined by Chief Executive Tony Stallinger to represent Hutt City Council’s submission. They both said Council is supportive of progress. They support the drive for better local services and view the general direction of the Bill as an improvement on the proposal to amalgamate the nine councils of the region into a “super city” that was voted down by the region’s residents last year.

Mayor Wallace said the Bill is blurred by fuzzy requirements and language. There are unresolved contradictions and loose processes.

”The Bill is a risk to local self-determination and representation. There are increased powers for the Local Government Commission, without clarity or safeguards.”

Chief Executive Tony Stallinger expanded on this saying that Hutt City sees the benefits of some shared services in Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs); such as the successful Wellington Water that’s owned by five councils.

However, he said “Councils won’t agree to the Commission being able to force them into region-wide CCOs that may or may not take away their assets and may or may not be permanent.”

As well as pointing out the pitfalls in the Bill, Hutt City Council’s submission also suggests solutions, with recommendations that indicate some way to achieve the greater clarity and safeguards.

ENDS

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