Search

I move, that the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill be now read a second time.

Mr Speaker, local government is a crucial component of New Zealand’s economy. The 78 local authorities make up 4% of GDP, spend $7.5 billion per year of public money, and manage around $120 billion worth of public assets.

But behind these numbers the simple fact is that most New Zealanders are affected by the decisions and actions of their council on a daily basis, and are certainly affected when they receive their quarterly rates bills.

Mr Speaker, I move that the Environment Canterbury (Temporary Commissioners and Improved Water Management) Amendment Bill be now read a first time. I nominate the Local Government and Environment Committee to consider the Bill.

At the appropriate time, I intend to move that the Environment Canterbury (Temporary Commissioners and Improved Water Management) Amendment Bill be considered by the Local Government and Environment Committee and that the Committee present its final report to the House on or before 30 January 2013.

It’s a pleasure to be here in Queenstown to speak with you all today about the Better Local Government reform programme.

I’d like to explain what we are aiming to achieve, where we have got to so far, and where to next.

Welcome to the New Zealand Institute of Forestry Conference.

It’s a pleasure to be opening your conference here in Christchurch and thank you, delegates, for attending and supporting Canterbury’s economy.

Looking around the city, you will see that we are entering a major rebuilding phase.

I would like to acknowledge your President Bruce Wills, Vice-President William Rolleston, Chief Executive Conor English, provincial presidents and delegates.

I am going to touch on topics across both my Primary Industries and Local Government portfolios and I am happy to take questions from you shortly.

I know you’ve just had a session on Local Government but I’d like to explain briefly what’s driving the reforms from the Government’s point of view.

Mr Speaker, I move that the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill be now read a first time. I nominate the Local Government and Environment Committee to consider the bill.

At the appropriate time I intend to move that the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill be reported to the House by 15 October 2012.