Taskforce to cut red tape announced

The Rules Reduction Taskforce is underway with the announcement of Taskforce members and public meetings to begin in March to consider submissions.

Local Government Minister Paula Bennett today announced the nine members of the Taskforce, who will join co-chairs Jacqui Dean MP, Parliamentary Private Secretary for Local Government, and Michael Barnett ONZM, Chief Executive of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce.

“The Rules Reduction Taskforce has been set up to get rid of loopy property rules and regulations that are stopping people from getting on with the job,” says Mrs Bennett.

“The members appointed today have a wealth of experience across the building and trades sectors as well as central and local government. I’ve asked them to hold public hearings around the country, as well as consider submissions made online, and come back to the Government outlining areas where we can make improvements and cut red tape.”

Members are:

• Jacqui Dean MP (co-chair)

• Michael Barnett ONZM (co-chair)

• Christopher Burke

• Hon John Carter QSO

• Stephen Halliwell

• Hon Tau Henare

• Philippa Murdoch

• Rachel Reese

• Mark Thomas

• Connal Townsend JP

• Ian Tulloch QSO, JP

“There’s a great deal of frustration out there from people looking to build, redevelop or make home improvements, who are being held back by confusing, costly rules which have long since lost their relevance,” says Mrs Bennett.

“We believe there are quick fixes we can make in the short-term, and some longer-term work we can do, to make things more efficient and straightforward for people. It will also be an opportunity to determine which rules should stay or be strengthened.”

A series of public meetings will take place across New Zealand between March and May. Information on these can be found on the Taskforce’s Facebook page (facebook.com/cutredtapenz) and Twitter (@CutRedTapeNZ).

To make a submission go to www.govt.nz/rulesreduction

Members of the Taskforce

Jacqui Dean MP – co-Chair (Oamaru)

Ms Dean is the MP for Waitaki and the Parliamentary Private Secretary for Tourism and for Local Government.

Michael Barnett ONZM – co-Chair (Auckland)
Mr Barnett is the Chief Executive of the Auckland Regional Chamber of Commerce & Industry. He has experience in local and central government and has extensive board/taskforce experience.

Christopher Burke – Member (Auckland)

Mr Burke is the Managing Director of ICB Retaining and Construction in Auckland.

Hon John Carter QSO – Member (Awanui)

Hon John Carter is the Mayor of the Far North District Council. He was previously the MP for Northland and has both local and central government experience.

Stephen Halliwell – Member (Oamaru)

Mr Halliwell works as a local government financial management and governance consultant across the country. He is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Hon Tau Henare – Member (Auckland)

Hon Tau Henare is a former New Zealand First and National Party MP. Mr Henare has held a number of ministerial posts and was a former Associate Spokesperson on Treaty of Waitangi issues and Maori Affairs (Treaty Negotiations).

Philippa Murdoch – Member (Christchurch)

Ms Murdoch is a business partner/office manager for Pacific Helicopters in Christchurch. She is experienced in property management.

Rachel Reese – Member (Nelson)

Ms Reese is the Mayor of the Nelson City Council. She is a member of the Resource Management Law Association and has experience in local government, resource consent and plan change processes.

Mark Thomas – Member (Auckland)

Mr Thomas is the managing director of Serviceworks Group, a consultancy company. He is also a deputy chair of the Orakei local board, responsible for economic development. He was a former executive with the ANZ Bank, and has been involved as a volunteer in a wide range of community groups.

Connal Townsend JP – Member (Auckland)

Mr Townsend is the Chief Executive of the Property Council, which represents the interests of the commercial property and investment industry in New Zealand. Prior to joining the Property Council, Mr Townsend held senior management roles in the finance industry, and was a regional manager at Housing New Zealand.

Ian Tulloch QSO, JP – Member (Gore)

Mr Tulloch has had a long career in local government, business and the community. He was Mayor of Mataura Borough Council for six years until 1989, and Mayor of Gore District Council until 1995.

ends

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