LGNZ supports Canterbury earthquake legislation

14 September 2010

Local Government New Zealand supports the legislation currently before Parliament designed to assist with the response to the Canterbury earthquake.

The Canterbury Earthquake Response and Recovery Bill will give councils greater flexibility around building processes during the recovery phase.

"This is a time when councils in the Canterbury region will face a range of challenges and it is important they have the support to focus on the issues that really matter rather than paperwork and processes that don't aid the rebuilding," said LGNZ President Lawrence Yule.

LGNZ does not believe the legislation will result in quality being compromised rather it will provide important pragmatism to council processes.

The new Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Commission will ensure integration between councils and relevant Ministers on recovery matters.

"We also believe this legislation will help alleviate the stress the people of Canterbury have been under by removing unnecessary barriers to rebuilding the region so they can get their lives back on track."

"Our thoughts continue to be with the people of Canterbury as they turn their efforts on restoring their beautiful city to its former glory," said Mr Yule.

ENDS

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