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Wairarapa people will soon be able to expect much improved service from the South Wairarapa, Carterton, Masterton and Tararua Local and Regional Councils if recently announced reform proposals proceed.
Public consultation on the proposals was announced on Thursday 14 June 2001 by Prime Minister Helen Clark and Minister of Local Government Sandra Lee.
"The proposals are all about what local authorities should do, how they should do it, and how ordinary people can become more involved," said, Ms Beyer MP for Wairarapa.
A consultation document is now available - free - from the Department of Internal Affairs and local libraries, and outlines proposals and ideas for the future of local government.
The approach of the proposals is described as 'broadly empowering,' meaning that local authorities will have greater flexibility to enhance the well being of their communities. If enacted, the proposals will build a platform for significant long-term changes.
"Generally speaking, if the proposals proceed South Wairarapa, Carterton, Masterton and Tararua Regional Councils and Wellington District Council would enjoy the same freedoms as corporations. They'll be able to manage their activities sustainably through 'triple bottom line' accounting, covering not only financial results, but also environmental performance and social progress.
"That's a lot better than the current assessment method, which makes it difficult for those who want to consider non-economic results," said Ms Beyer.
Councils across the country have been campaigning for this ability for many years, but the current legislation has stopped them. "The current legislation is a clunker," said Ms Beyer.
"It's been amended about 150 times in the last twenty-seven years; it's overprescriptive, but has related sections that no longer refer to each other. Even experts can't explain it to ordinary people, which would seem to be of primary importance, given the ways that local government bodies relate to their communities. Not only that, but it frequently causes legal uncertainty, frustration, administrative difficulties and financial liabilities for local authorities."
The consultation document will be discussed at meetings throughout New Zealand, and public submissions close on 30 August. After that, the government plans to introduce a new Local Government Bill to Parliament by December 2001, and enact it mid-2002.
Copies of the consultation document can be obtained from local libraries or the Department of Internal Affairs on 04 495 7200 or from the department's website at www.dia.govt.nz
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