Yesterday’s announcement by the Government to scrap regional councils has the potential to harm our environment, our communities, and our future.

Any Local Government reform needs to come from close collaboration with democratically elected members, manawhenua, and our local communities to ensure that our taiao and our people are being looked after, now, and for future generations.

“Local Government reform is definitely needed, but we need this reform to come from working with those who have the experience and knowledge, not throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Ultimately, the proposal seems undercooked and shows a Government desperate to get things done before the next election,” said Former Environment Canterbury Chair Craig Pauling.

Removing the decision-making from Regional councils risks losing region-wide perspectives on how we best manage our unique environment and natural resources. There is also a significant risk of losing specific skills and knowledge that the regional councils currently hold. Mayors are elected to focus on their own district's issues, rather than taking a region-wide perspective.

Regional Council functions are significant, and make sense at a regional scale, especially environmental and natural resource management, planning and permissions. Dealing adequately with cross-district issues and upholding environmental bottom lines are critical roles that are needed to ensure a thriving future.

“I acknowledge those who have recently campaigned for their Regional Council, elected Councillors, and everyone who has worked hard to support regional government in Aotearoa, including all the staff who will be feeling uncertain about their future,” said Craig. “Having an announcement with so much uncertainty shows disrespect for local democracy, and all of the important work that is being done on the ground across the country.”

Getting clarity around the important roles of community and manawhenua, adequate funding, as well as the regulation of environmental standards and protections, are essential to tackle the wicked challenges being faced, including those relating to climate change, water quality and indigenous biodiversity.

“Regional Councils have led the way in fostering relationships with iwi and hapū, and have well-founded representation models and working relationships”, said Craig. “Members of this government have noted that this reform is specifically targeted to remove Ngāi Tahu’s representation on ECan, which has been very successful, and while the proposal acknowledges Treaty Settlements, it fails to recognise the significant partnership work that Councils and manawhenua have built in post-settlement partnership. It also fails to acknowledge those iwi and hapū that are yet to achieve settlements.”

Note:

Craig Pauling (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Mutunga) is the former chair of Environment Canterbury, representing Christchurch West/Ōpuna from 2019-2025. Craig has sat on the Canterbury Mayoral Forum, Regional Transport, and Regional Water Committees, and knows the key role regional governors and manawhenua representatives play in these forums to ensure the environment and the community are at the table.

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