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A Bill setting up a new local government funding agency is expected to be introduced to Parliament shortly, according to Finance Minister Bill English and Local Government Minister Rodney Hide.

“The agency will lower the overall cost of borrowing for all councils by allowing a co-operative approach to raising finance,” Mr Hide said. “It is estimated the agency could save local authorities collectively around $25 million a year.”

Regulatory Reform Minister Rodney Hide will today introduce a Bill to Parliament to provide greater transparency and accountability for the quality of laws and regulations in New Zealand. 

“New Zealand has a problem with too much regulation, and too much bad regulation.  These regulations impose real costs on our businesses, and unnecessary burdens on individuals,” Mr Hide said. 

Minister of Local Government and Chair of the Cabinet Committee for Implementation of Auckland Governance Reforms Rodney Hide today released papers setting out the Government’s aspirations for Auckland, in support of the Auckland Council’s public consultation phase for the development of its first spatial plan.

Minister of Local Government Rodney Hide today met with Australia’s Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government Hon Simon Crean to discuss developments in local government both in New Zealand and Australia. 

"Minister Crean was very interested in my work on Auckland Governance and also in what may happen in relation to the structure of local government in the rest of New Zealand," Mr Hide said.

It will now be easier for parents and schools to access information on providers of gifted and talented education following the launch of a redesigned website today, Associate Minister of Education Rodney Hide said.  

“The Ministry of Education’s 'Gifted and Talented Online' website provides a central place for best practice, research and smart tools for building the capability of gifted and talented students, Mr Hide said.

Minister for Regulatory Reform Rodney Hide today announced the Regulatory Reform (Revocations) Order 2010 which will clean up red tape and get outdated regulations off the books.

“Through regulation, government has the power to affect the lives of every New Zealander.  We need to use that power responsibly and ensure that only necessary and useful regulations are in force,” Mr Hide said.

“I asked all government departments to have a hard look at the regulations in their area, and tell me which ones should go.

Minister for Regulatory Reform Rodney Hide introduced into the House a Bill designed to slash red tape and make life easier for businesses.

The Regulatory Reform Bill proposes amendments to 13 Acts, removing duplication, getting rid of unnecessary requirements, and clearing up inconsistencies.

"Last year, I wrote to all Ministers asking them to identify laws in their area that were creating a burden on business and could be changed," Mr Hide said.  

"Ministers responded with proposed changes that will save businesses millions.

Phil Twyford's detective work has once again shown him to be inept in his efforts to paint the new Auckland Council as a failure, Minister of Local Government Rodney Hide said today. 

New Zealand has maintained third place in the World Bank's Doing Business survey, confirming its reputation as one of the best countries in which to do business, say Finance Minister Bill English a

The Auckland Council's first Auckland spatial plan will help to ensure that New Zealand has a city which can provide a key link to the global economy, Local Government Minister Rodney Hide and Envi

The Auckland Council's first Auckland spatial plan will help to ensure that New Zealand has a city which can provide a key link to the global economy, Local Government Minister Rodney Hide and Envi

Minister for Regulatory Reform Rodney Hide today welcomed the release of the 2025 Taskforce's second report, which highlights the challenge ahead if New Zealand is to succeed in catching Australia

Fluoride toothpastes, anti-dandruff shampoos and anti-pimple creams commonly sold in supermarkets will no longer be treated like medicines once new regulations have been drafted and approved.

Tonight's inauguration ceremony for the new Auckland Council marks the beginning of a new era in Local Government - and a new beginning for Auckland, Minister of Local Government Hon Rodney Hide sa

The Director-General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Murray Sherwin, will chair the soon-to-be-established New Zealand Productivity Commission, Finance Minister Bill English and Regula

Associate Minister of Education Rodney Hide today launched 'Success for All - Every School, Every Child', the Government's response to the Special Education Review.  The plan sets out changes

Minister of Local Government Hon Rodney Hide today congratulated incoming Mayor of Wellington Celia Wade-Brown, and wished her well for her first term as the civic leader of New Zealand's vibrant c

 Minister of Local Government Hon Rodney Hide today congratulated Len Brown on becoming the first elected Mayor of the new Auckland Council.

Minister for Regulatory Reform and Minister of Local Government Hon Rodney Hide will tomorrow travel to Australia to meet with Australia's leading experts in the fields of productivity, regulation

Minister of Local Government Hon Rodney Hide today announced his intention to clarify the application of the Auckland Regional Council Trades Waste Bylaw to ensure certainty for those in the Auckla

Following a review of the Aspire Scholarship scheme, Associate Education Minister Hon Rodney Hide was today pleased to announce changes to the scheme's eligibility criteria which will see more stud

Minister of Local Government Hon Rodney Hide today reminded MPs that they are prohibited from using resources provided to them as a Member of Parliament to endorse candidates in local government el

Aucklanders should be very pleased at the announcement that, from 1 July 2012, the annual salary bill of the new Auckland Council will fall to $513 million - saving ratepayers a total of $91 millio

 Associate Minister of Education Hon Rodney Hide today expressed sadness at the sudden passing of  Patricia Avenue Specialist School Principal Jill Weidenbohm yesterday.