PSA Press Release

May 15, 2002

The PSA welcomed the opportunity to present its submission on local government to the Local Government and Environment Select Committee, PSA national secretary Richard Wagstaff said today.

“The PSA has a vital interest in local government and believes the Local Government Bill is an important step in moves to enhance the public service. The Bill calls for community participation and engagement in local government decisions and this reflects our partnership strategy in the workforce whereby our members engage with management in decision-making.”

Richard Wagstaff said the PSA matched its Charter for Local Government to the Bill to work out the content of its submission.

“The PSA Charter encapsulated the expectation of local government as set out in an explanatory note attached to the Bill. They both spoke of local authorities being the mechanism by which New Zealanders in their local communities will promote, in a sustainable way, social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being.”

“While we made recommendations on the bill, we see the legislation as a vital plank in a move to community participation and engagement. It is essential that communities have a say in determining and achieving what local councils do, how they decide what to do, and how they do it.”

Richard Wagstaff said the bill brings a new dimension to local government which is not just about rates, roads or sewage.

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