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Local Government and Ethnic Communities Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga leaves for China today to discuss issues across both portfolios.

“This is an opportunity to further strengthen New Zealand’s relationship with China and reinforce the important ties between the peoples of China and New Zealand,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

Local Government Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga has commissioned a joint working group to improve the effectiveness and reliability of the local bylaws system and specifically prioritising the freedom camping regime.

“Last year nearly 44,000 international visitors went freedom camping while they were here. As well a growing number of New Zealanders also travel the country by campervan, in commercial rental vehicles or in their own cars,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

Local Government Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga today congratulated the successful candidates in the 2016 local authority elections.

“Representing your community’s best interests requires commitment, energy and leadership. Thank you for standing and serving your local communities,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says. 

“Congratulations to the new Auckland Mayor Phil Goff and to the new Wellington Mayor Justin Lester.  Well done also to Lianne Dalziel who has retained the Christchurch mayoralty.”

Local Government Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga says the rules around rates rebates for people who live in retirement villages need to be looked at.

“Most people living in retirement villages do not own their home but have a Licence to Occupy arrangement instead. As a result, they are not directly liable for paying rates to the council and do not qualify for a rebate under the Rates Rebate Scheme,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

The Rates Rebate Scheme was established in the 1970s to assist home owners on low incomes to pay their council rates.