John Cronin BOP Regional Council Chairman www.envbop.govt.nz

Last Thursday, about 30 territorial mayors, regional council chairmen and their chief executives met with the new Minister of Local Government, the Honourable David Carter.

The Minister has an eight-point reform programme as listed below. This is part of the re-balancing of the New Zealand economy, away from the increased spending and debts of its previous decade – and councils are part of the debt/spending spiral.

It is quite clear that reform is necessary, that the bureaucracy has to be reduced and that the burden of rates to the ratepayers needs also to be better managed; but at the same time, keeping the ‘local' in Local Government.

This could mean fewer councils by amalgamations or by better processes.

The Regional Council welcomes these reforms, which should be completed prior to the 2013 Local Government Elections, and we would like to know your views.

The first four points will be included in legislation to be introduced to Parliament in May and passed by September 2012.

1. Refocus the purpose of Local Government.

2. Introduce fiscal responsibility requirements.

3. Strengthen council governance provisions.

4. Streamline council reorganisation procedures.

(The Minister gave a very direct impression that the above four points were not negotiable and will happen, and that is very good news.)

5. Establishment of a Local Government Efficiency Task Force. (This looks to be where the real powerhouse of its change will occur to give effect to the reforms, where the challenge will be to take out costs, review the structures and deliver the services within tight financial constraints.)

6. Develop a framework for Central/Local Government regulatory roles.

7. Investigate the efficiency of Local Government infrastructure provisions.

8. Review the use of development contributions.

Personally, I embrace these changes. Reform is needed, in both the form and functions of Councils.

If you have a view on this or any other Regional Council matter, I invite you to e-mail me [email protected]