5 March 2000

Central/local government forum breaks new ground

A new era of co-operation between central and local government will be launched on Tuesday when leaders from the two sectors meet at Premier House in Wellington.

The Forum – Central and Local Government Working Together, would begin charting a fresh relationship for the two sectors, Prime Minister Helen Clark and Local Government New Zealand president Louise Rosson said today.

"The Forum breaks new ground. The aim is to work together to clarify the role and functions of local government and its relationship with central government," Helen Clark and Louise Rosson said.

"Until now there has been no regular opportunity for local government to engage effectively with central government on matters of national policy.

"The Forum will become a regular event and we welcome what will be an opportunity to discuss issues which are of critical interest to both sectors and affect all New Zealanders."

Helen Clark said she had given a commitment to establish the forum in the new Government's first 100 days, as a sign of the high priority being attached to partnership with local and regional government.

"The Government and Local Government New Zealand agree that we need this regular forum to identify policy issues which need debate and further work. This process gets under way on Tuesday," Helen Clark said.

Contacts:

Carol Stigley, chief executive, LGNZ, 021 479 644

Attached: Forum participants
The Forum – list of those attending:

Prime Minister Helen Clark
Deputy Prime Minister Jim Anderton
Finance Minister Michael Cullen
Local Government Minister Sandra Lee
Social Services Minister Steve Maharey
Environment Minister Marian Hobbs
Transport Minister Mark Gosche
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Auckland issues, Judith Tizard.

Louise Rosson, President of Local Government New Zealand
Gordon Blake, Vice President of Local Government New Zealand
Philip Warren, Vice President of Local Government New Zealand
Mayor Mark Blumsky (Wellington City)
Mayor Frana Cardno (Southland District)
Chair Jim Peters (Northland Regional)
Mayor Don Riesterer (Opotiki District)

Observing Attendees
Mayor John Chaffey (Hurunui District)
Deputy Mayor Dianne Hale (North Shore City)
Mayor Wynne Raymond (Timaru District)
Mayor John Read (South Wairarapa District)
Councillor Paul Rieger (Horizons.mw)
Deputy Chair Hon Margaret Sheilds (Wellington Regional)
Mayor Sukhi Turner (Dunedin City)

Officials
Carol Stigley (Local Government New Zealand)
Elizabeth Hughes (Local Government New Zealand)
Mike Reid (Local Government New Zealand)

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