Has central government got it wrong again? The new Better Local Services bill appears to be taking away powers from the local councils. Is that power being given back to the people?

The bill is primarily designed to reduce councils’ power over Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs) because central government believes local governments are slowing down the economy, and are not competent to look after themselves. There are ministers within central government who believe councils are not working with each other to get better outcomes with the ratepayers. In some cases that might be true.

However, Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt is someone who has looked more closely at this bill. He’s realised the bill means central government wants to control what is happening on the ground locally with more of a “draconian” style and central government calling the shots. Government will likely tell local councils what should be in their water supply, especially when it comes to fluoride.

There are some councils who have welcomed the bill, such as the BOP’s Local Government Futures Co-chairs, Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chairman Doug Leeder and Tauranga City Mayor Stuart Crosby. These two have interpreted the bill as meaning council will be able to “deliver more effective services to the communities they serve [...] developing better ways of providing wastewater, water supply, transport, planning, water and biodiversity, resource consents and building consents.”

Now I’m all in favour of having Councils work together for the greater good, however doesn’t this really depend on who is in council, ie – who the public have elected? Let me give you an example. If you choose non-business people to lead your district, then there is a possibility that you will need to hold the hand of central government (like Kaipara’s District Council has to do). However if you choose to have local people who operate successful businesses in charge, people have proven track records in money management, surely that you won’t need central government at all. That’s common sense.

I feel that central government have concluded an act of parliament is necessary because some communities feel that their local councils are not looking after their rates and are mismanaging the assets given to them. It is now election time again. Don’t forget: if you choose what you always have had then you will always get the same response. Let’s choose the best to help our community go forward.