Ron Mark MP

New Zealand First Deputy Leader

Spokesperson for Local Government
22 JULY 2016

Beware Heavy Hand of Govt, Councils Told

New Zealand First is warning councils that the heavy hand of the government is threatening their existence.

“There’s a blatant attempt by National to steer councils into a business model, and further down the track they could be made irrelevant,” says Local Government Spokesperson Ron Mark.

“It’s undemocratic and an attack on the people of New Zealand.

“Councillors must rise up against the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill (No 2) that the government is shamelessly trying to push through Parliament under the guise of creating efficiency.

“It will set up council-controlled organisations, without any consultation with councillors or ratepayers, to take over essential services like water and roading.

“New Zealand is very suspicious of any legislation seeking to hand over council assets to new organisations – it is an underhand way of corporatising council services.

“The Local Government Commission will be given extensive powers, under which they can consider local body amalgamations without consulting communities.

“Waimate and Napier councils understand the threats from this legislation, and have spoken publicly. The Local Government NZ conference starting on Sunday in Dunedin will be a chance for serious discussion on the matter given submissions must be in by the end of the month.”

ENDS

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