More improvements to strengthen Local Govt Act
The New Zealand Government has introduced further amendments to the Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill to enhance councils' operational capacity and accountability.
Further changes to the Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill were introduced to Parliament today, aiming to strengthen councils' ability to focus on core services and improve systems. The Bill includes amendments to support council-controlled water organisation borrowing and streamline transitions for codes of conduct and standing orders. Local Government Minister Simon Watts stated these changes will enable councils to invest in critical infrastructure with long-term repayment plans matching asset lifespans.
Amendments also clarify that non-elected members of council committees, including those from the Auckland Council’s Independent Māori Statutory Board (Houkura), will not have voting rights, subject to exceptions. This change is intended to ensure fairness and consistency in government policy, with a six-month transition period for implementation. The Board will continue to provide advice and perform its functions despite the adjustment.
A new amendment grants councils targeted powers to recover infrastructure costs from Fast-track developments, preventing these costs from falling solely on ratepayers. Additionally, the Bill strengthens councillors' access to council information, improving transparency and decision-making. Councils will gain flexibility in managing information requests to better serve their communities.
Local Government Minister Simon Watts emphasized the Government’s commitment to practical changes that strengthen local government, enhance accountability, and keep councils focused on delivering for their communities. The amendments aim to fix foundational issues while building a more effective future for local governance.