MEDIA RELEASE

LGNZ: Reforms largely constructive for local government sector

MONDAY 19 MARCH 2012

Local Government New Zealand says the local government reforms announced today are largely constructive for the local government sector.

LGNZ President Lawrence Yule says however, while LGNZ is broadly supportive of the proposals, the devil is in the details.

“Our continued focus will be on ensuring councils answer to communities not central government. However we are pleased the Government has committed to ensuring the local government sector is involved in this process through representation from LGNZ in the reform process.”

Mr Yule says there are many proposals to work through.

“The reforms talk about removing the four well-beings of cultural, economic, social and environmental – there will be implications if these are removed as local government often does things because the Government or private sector has failed.”

Mr Yule says LGNZ supports fiscal responsibility requirements being proposed in principle but again awaits the detail.

“LGNZ supports transparency and everyone knowing where their powers and responsibilities end.”

ENDS

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