Local government sector hears how a growing economy is needed to support a healthy environment

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) talked resource management today as they heard from Federated Farmers of New Zealand National President Dr William Rolleston, and Employers & Manufacturers Association Chief Executive Kim Campbell.

Dr William Rolleston told councils today that the number one issue the primary sector needs is certainty. With certainty comes the ability to make investment decisions that underpin a thriving economy. He also spoke about the importance of effective partnerships that the Federated Farmers have built nationally and locally.

New Zealand prides itself on a clean, green environment – that’s what makes it different – and the farming sector is making strides to clean up its act. Yet Dr Rolleston told the audience that the Resource Management Act (RMA), and the way it is implemented, places a heavy burden on the rural sector. Keeping the politics out of science is critical to allow us to make the best decisions but, most importantly, we need our economy to grow to support a healthy environment.

Dr Rolleston says, “Engagement with farmers is critical and the collaborative processes underway in many parts of the country around the management of freshwater is definitely a step in the right direction.”

Kim Campbell told the audience that local government’s regulatory role has a critical role to play in supporting or hindering business to develop.

For business, like farmers, consistency and certainty are important. Working through regulatory process takes time and costs money. A one-stop-shop point of contact within a council makes a huge difference to supporting business and he encouraged councils to see what improvements he can make.

He also welcomed the public recognition of the need for change, and is heartened to see a measure of bipartisan support for it.

LGNZ President Lawrence Yule recognised the importance of reflecting on the needs of business, farming and wider industry in the success of our economy and the sustainability of our environment.

“Councils have a critical role to play in creating an environment that is fit-for-purpose and provides certainty for industry, and one that recognises the important role of the environment in New Zealand’s future,” says Mr Yule.

The 2015 LGNZ Conference takes place from 19 - 21 July in Rotorua, attended by nearly 600 local and central government delegates. The three day conference hears presentations from high profile speakers about significant issues and opportunities facing the sector and is a chance for the sector to learn best practice from one another.

The theme of the conference is: leading the charge for our communities.

More information can be found on the conference website here: http://www.lgnz2015.co.nz/lgnz15

About LGNZ and local government in New Zealand

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) is the peak body representing New Zealand's 78 local, regional and unitary authorities. LGNZ advocates for local democracy, develops local government policy, and promotes best practice and excellence in leadership, governance and service delivery. Through its work strengthening sector capability, LGNZ contributes to the economic success and vibrancy of communities and the nation.

The local government sector plays an important role. In addition to giving citizens a say in how their communities are run, councils own a broad range of community assets worth more than $120 billion. These include 90 per cent of New Zealand's road network, the bulk of the country's water and waste water networks, and libraries, recreation and community facilities. Council expenditure is approximately $8.5 billion dollars, representing approximately 4 per cent of Gross Domestic Product and 11 per cent of all public expenditure.

For more information visit www.lgnz.co.nz.

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