16 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2849 views
The speaker acknowledges the challenges faced by local government in New Zealand, particularly concerning restrictive planning rules, infrastructure funding, and coordination issues with central government. The focus is on the need for reform in the housing market and resource management, with a three-pillar approach to housing growth and significant changes planned for the replacement of the Resource Management Act. The government aims to simplify planning processes, reduce costs, and foster a culture of saying 'yes' to enable economic growth and development while safeguarding the environment.
15 Jul 2025
1 year ago
1802 views
The Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill aims to refocus councils on core services like roading, infrastructure, water, and waste, addressing public frustration over rising rates and declining services. Minister Simon Watts emphasizes the need for discipline, transparency, and performance improvement to benefit ratepayers. The Bill includes reforms such as prioritizing core services in managing finances, introducing new financial performance measures, and enhancing transparency and accountability, with the goal of delivering better value for money and avoiding new taxes for local authorities.
08 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2001 views
Selwyn District is the first council in the country to launch its new water services entity, Selwyn Water, meaning safe, reliable, and affordable drinking water and wastewater for ratepayers, Local Government Minister Simon Watts says. “The launch of Selwyn District’s water service entity today marks a significant milestone of water reform, and I look forward to seeing similar Local Water Done Well plans progress in the coming months,” Mr Watts says. “Selwyn District Council is also the first council to have a Water Services Delivery Plan accepted and approved by the Secretary for Local Government, Paul James and the first to establish a water services council-controlled organisation (CCO) under the Coalition Government’s Local Water Done Well policy.
02 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2240 views
The Government has laid out its expectations for City and Regional Deals (CRDs) as long-term partnerships that will increase economic growth, create jobs, and boost productivity for New Zealanders, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Local Government Minister Simon Watts say. The Government has also signed the first Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to negotiate deals with Auckland, Otago/Central Lakes and Western Bay of Plenty. “City and Regional Deals will be strategic 10-year partnerships between local and central government to progress joint priorities including economic growth, enabling abundant housing, better management and utilisation of local assets, and closing the infrastructure deficit,” Mr Bishop says.