AUCKLAND REGIONAL SERVICES TRUST DECISION THIS YEAR

  • Maurice Williamson
Local Government

The Government is still aiming for policy decisions on the Auckland Regional Services Trust (ARST) before the end of this year, the Minister of Local Government Hon Maurice Williamson told this afternoon's meeting of Zone One, Local Government New Zealand.

"The Government is committed to continuing the review of the ARST and the resolution of issues related to the ARST is a key priority for me," said Mr Williamson.

"One the issue of local government's role in delivering water and waste water, the Department of Internal Affairs review is still underway and I'm working to ensure the necessary policy decisions will be made next year.

"On of my key priorities as Minister of Local Government is to overhaul the inadequate and inappropriate funding powers of local government, to match their new accountability processes

"I plan to have the review of local authorities funding powers completed in early 1999, with legislation introduced by the end of 1999," said Mr Williamson.

Mr Williamson was speaking at today's meeting in Waitakere of Zone One, Local Government.

Zone One comprises the regions of Auckland and Northland. The cities of Auckland; Manukau; North Shore and Waitakere. The districts of Far North; Franklin; Kaipara; Papakura; Rodney and Whangarei