Latest news with #LGNZ
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
2025 Budget Provides Welcome Relief For Older Ratepayers
Press Release – LGNZ This was always expected to be a tight budget due to the current economic conditions, so were pleased to see the Government has opted to ease the financial pressure on older New Zealanders many of whom are facing a cost-of-living crisis, says … Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) says that yesterday's Budget 2025 announcement of changes to the rates rebate scheme is a win for the community – particularly older people struggling to afford rates. 'This was always expected to be a tight budget due to the current economic conditions, so we're pleased to see the Government has opted to ease the financial pressure on older New Zealanders – many of whom are facing a cost-of-living crisis,' says LGNZ acting chief executive Scott Necklen. 'LGNZ has been advocating for the income threshold for rates rebate eligibility to be raised for low-and fixed-income property owners for some time. As a further step we'd like to see the Government investigate options for data sharing between councils, Internal Affairs and MSD to proactively identify households that qualify for a rates rebate, rather than waiting for people to apply. 'But an expanded rebate and new abatement threshold for SuperGold card holders is a great start.' Scott Necklen says that local and central government are in full agreement that rates cannot keep rising at the level they have been, and that many councils need more funding levers to address pressing infrastructure needs. 'Rates are – and will continue to be – councils' main source of income, and play a vital role in councils being able to meet their community's infrastructure needs. 'It's a welcome relief to see the Government implicitly acknowledging that rates rises are inevitable due to the growing pressure on local government, especially in the face of councils' rising insurance costs, inflation and infrastructure needs. 'We acknowledge that Government has already added some tools in our toolkit – such as moving from development contributions to development levies. New tools like this help keep rates at bay. But we need to keep working with the Government on more incentives for councils, so that ratepayers are not disincentivised by housing and wider economic growth,' says Scott Necklen. Scott Necklen also acknowledged several other budget outcomes that will have an effect on local government: Regional Deals: 'While regional deals have been touted by the Government as something that will help unlock funding and resource opportunities to support councils to improve roads, infrastructure and housing in their regions, it's disappointing to see that no funding is available to invest in the initiatives agreed as part of any future deals. If regional deals are to replicate the success of city deals overseas, they will need dedicated government funding.' Transport: 'While it's great to see increased investment in rail and ferry initiatives, we also know there's a real need for widespread investment in our aging transport network. We're disappointed to see some reductions in transport funding. These costs will instead be covered by the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP), which creates additional pressure on the fund and on the transport network. Without additional tools or further funding, as a country we'll have to make tough choices soon around where we defer maintenance and leave it up to future generations.' Recovery works: 'We're happy to see the Government commit extra funding to complete recovery works on local roads affected by the 2023 North Island weather events, as these communities continue to get back on their feet following widespread damage to their roading infrastructure.' Funding to support local journalism: 'We're pleased to see the Government recognises the key role that local journalism plays in telling local stories, while raising transparency and awareness around community issues. This is particularly important for local elections later this year.' About LGNZ: LGNZ champions, connects and supports local government. We represent the national interest of councils across New Zealand to deliver more of what matters in their communities. LGNZ is involved in policy, reforms, programmes, and advocacy as well as providing advice, consultancy and training to councils and their staff.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
2025 Budget Provides Welcome Relief For Older Ratepayers
Press Release – LGNZ This was always expected to be a tight budget due to the current economic conditions, so were pleased to see the Government has opted to ease the financial pressure on older New Zealanders many of whom are facing a cost-of-living crisis, says … Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) says that yesterday's Budget 2025 announcement of changes to the rates rebate scheme is a win for the community – particularly older people struggling to afford rates. 'This was always expected to be a tight budget due to the current economic conditions, so we're pleased to see the Government has opted to ease the financial pressure on older New Zealanders – many of whom are facing a cost-of-living crisis,' says LGNZ acting chief executive Scott Necklen. 'LGNZ has been advocating for the income threshold for rates rebate eligibility to be raised for low-and fixed-income property owners for some time. As a further step we'd like to see the Government investigate options for data sharing between councils, Internal Affairs and MSD to proactively identify households that qualify for a rates rebate, rather than waiting for people to apply. 'But an expanded rebate and new abatement threshold for SuperGold card holders is a great start.' Scott Necklen says that local and central government are in full agreement that rates cannot keep rising at the level they have been, and that many councils need more funding levers to address pressing infrastructure needs. 'Rates are – and will continue to be – councils' main source of income, and play a vital role in councils being able to meet their community's infrastructure needs. 'It's a welcome relief to see the Government implicitly acknowledging that rates rises are inevitable due to the growing pressure on local government, especially in the face of councils' rising insurance costs, inflation and infrastructure needs. 'We acknowledge that Government has already added some tools in our toolkit – such as moving from development contributions to development levies. New tools like this help keep rates at bay. But we need to keep working with the Government on more incentives for councils, so that ratepayers are not disincentivised by housing and wider economic growth,' says Scott Necklen. Scott Necklen also acknowledged several other budget outcomes that will have an effect on local government: Regional Deals: 'While regional deals have been touted by the Government as something that will help unlock funding and resource opportunities to support councils to improve roads, infrastructure and housing in their regions, it's disappointing to see that no funding is available to invest in the initiatives agreed as part of any future deals. If regional deals are to replicate the success of city deals overseas, they will need dedicated government funding.' Transport: 'While it's great to see increased investment in rail and ferry initiatives, we also know there's a real need for widespread investment in our aging transport network. We're disappointed to see some reductions in transport funding. These costs will instead be covered by the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP), which creates additional pressure on the fund and on the transport network. Without additional tools or further funding, as a country we'll have to make tough choices soon around where we defer maintenance and leave it up to future generations.' Recovery works: 'We're happy to see the Government commit extra funding to complete recovery works on local roads affected by the 2023 North Island weather events, as these communities continue to get back on their feet following widespread damage to their roading infrastructure.' Funding to support local journalism: 'We're pleased to see the Government recognises the key role that local journalism plays in telling local stories, while raising transparency and awareness around community issues. This is particularly important for local elections later this year.' About LGNZ: LGNZ champions, connects and supports local government. We represent the national interest of councils across New Zealand to deliver more of what matters in their communities. LGNZ is involved in policy, reforms, programmes, and advocacy as well as providing advice, consultancy and training to councils and their staff.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
2025 Budget Provides Welcome Relief For Older Ratepayers
Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) says that yesterday's Budget 2025 announcement of changes to the rates rebate scheme is a win for the community – particularly older people struggling to afford rates. 'This was always expected to be a tight budget due to the current economic conditions, so we're pleased to see the Government has opted to ease the financial pressure on older New Zealanders – many of whom are facing a cost-of-living crisis,' says LGNZ acting chief executive Scott Necklen. 'LGNZ has been advocating for the income threshold for rates rebate eligibility to be raised for low-and fixed-income property owners for some time. As a further step we'd like to see the Government investigate options for data sharing between councils, Internal Affairs and MSD to proactively identify households that qualify for a rates rebate, rather than waiting for people to apply. 'But an expanded rebate and new abatement threshold for SuperGold card holders is a great start.' Scott Necklen says that local and central government are in full agreement that rates cannot keep rising at the level they have been, and that many councils need more funding levers to address pressing infrastructure needs. 'Rates are – and will continue to be – councils' main source of income, and play a vital role in councils being able to meet their community's infrastructure needs. 'It's a welcome relief to see the Government implicitly acknowledging that rates rises are inevitable due to the growing pressure on local government, especially in the face of councils' rising insurance costs, inflation and infrastructure needs. Advertisement - scroll to continue reading 'We acknowledge that Government has already added some tools in our toolkit - such as moving from development contributions to development levies. New tools like this help keep rates at bay. But we need to keep working with the Government on more incentives for councils, so that ratepayers are not disincentivised by housing and wider economic growth,' says Scott Necklen. Scott Necklen also acknowledged several other budget outcomes that will have an effect on local government: Regional Deals: 'While regional deals have been touted by the Government as something that will help unlock funding and resource opportunities to support councils to improve roads, infrastructure and housing in their regions, it's disappointing to see that no funding is available to invest in the initiatives agreed as part of any future deals. If regional deals are to replicate the success of city deals overseas, they will need dedicated government funding.' Transport: 'While it's great to see increased investment in rail and ferry initiatives, we also know there's a real need for widespread investment in our aging transport network. We're disappointed to see some reductions in transport funding. These costs will instead be covered by the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP), which creates additional pressure on the fund and on the transport network. Without additional tools or further funding, as a country we'll have to make tough choices soon around where we defer maintenance and leave it up to future generations.' Recovery works: 'We're happy to see the Government commit extra funding to complete recovery works on local roads affected by the 2023 North Island weather events, as these communities continue to get back on their feet following widespread damage to their roading infrastructure.' Funding to support local journalism: 'We're pleased to see the Government recognises the key role that local journalism plays in telling local stories, while raising transparency and awareness around community issues. This is particularly important for local elections later this year.' LGNZ champions, connects and supports local government. We represent the national interest of councils across New Zealand to deliver more of what matters in their communities. LGNZ is involved in policy, reforms, programmes, and advocacy as well as providing advice, consultancy and training to councils and their staff.
Scoop
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Councillors To Have 'How-To' Guidebook On Staying Safe From Abuse
A representative group for local government is launching a 'how-to' guidebook to help elected members stay safe ahead of this year's local elections. It comes as the government launches a toolkit of its own to help women and their employers navigate online harm. Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) says the abuse and harassment of elected members has been increasing, and councils were concerned about a potential chilling effect on people standing in local elections this year. Chief executive Susan Freeman-Greene said the abuse was both online and in-person, and ranged from threats of physical harm to being harassed and intimidated in public. "We're seeing elected members pick their kids up from school and get abused, we're seeing them in the supermarket get abused and threatened, and we're seeing threats to families. So, it is tipping beyond normal engagement that our elected members all expect. "Our elected members and councillors have a really high threshold of really important they are at the front line of their communities. They want to know what their communities say and think and feel - what we're talking about here is when it tips into the next level of intimidation, threats, aggression and abuse that stops them doing their job." Freeman-Green said she had spoken to people who were intending to run for council this year who had witnessed the abuse and harassment that some elected members receive, and as a result were thinking twice about putting their hand up. "They start asking themselves 'do I really want a job where my family might be subjected to abuse and threats from the public?'" she said. "We know that people are thinking about this a lot and we just want to keep encouraging people to stand. Local government makes decisions that affect our lives every single day. It is such an important, fundamental place in our democracy and we need good candidates. "In an election year, we want really good people to stand and we want them to feel safe when they do." She said the amount of abuse, its seriousness, and frequency was all increasing. "It's much easier to do so online these days and we've had a pretty tough environment across the piece in New Zealand and through Covid, and all of these things contribute." The guide is being launched this morning at an all-of-local government meeting, with mayors as well as council chairs and chief executives gathering in Wellington. It includes strategies on how elected members and candidates can stay safe online, including risk mitigation such as separating public profiles from private ones, and using a new phone number or PO Box for their campaigns. A section on staying safe in public contains scenarios on what to do in a tense public meeting or when approached in a public place by an upset member of the public or Sovereign Citizen (as well as the options they can take if behaviour approaches the legal definition of harassment), and how to mitigate risks at home. Government launches toolkit to help women address online harm Minister for Women Nicola Grigg planned to announce a toolkit the government was launching to help women and their employers address online harm. However, she was unable to attend in person due to severe weather and flight cancellations, and instead addressed the meeting via teleconferencing. The toolkit, developed by the Ministry for Women in collaboration with Netsafe, includes interactive educational modules, practical resources, and real-world case studies from women in leadership and public-facing roles. Grigg said research showed the alarming impact abuse and harassment on social media was having on women, particularly those in the public eye, including self-censoring, avoiding digital platforms, and having less contact with the public. "The prevalence of online harm has become a serious issue, disproportionately impacting women who are in the public eye. The growing phenomenon of online abuse has the very real potential to deter women from stepping into leadership roles and engaging in public and political life," she said. "We know from the data and evidence that many many women are deterred and turned off from these kinds of careers and jobs because of the prevalence of the online harm they're facing." Grigg said the toolkit was based on the Harmful Digital Communications Act, giving advice to employees and employers to recognise and know when to act. "And then courts obviously then have a responsibility to act on it as well and instruct any takedowns that may be necessary." Freeman-Greene said LGNZ was "delighted" the government had released the toolkit. "It's vital that women leaders - who are in the spotlight across a range of sectors - have tools to combat abuse and harassment. It's clear from our survey data that women are particularly at risk of gendered abuse," she said. She noted it was not just women elected members who were facing abuse. While most of the day's discussion topics will be around infrastructure funding, Freeman-Greene said it was important in an election year for candidates and elected members to also feel safe from harm. Building and construction minister Chris Penk and local government minister Simon Watts are also expected to speak about their portfolios in the afternoon.
RNZ News
30-04-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Councillors to have 'how-to' guidebook on staying safe from abuse
LGNZ chief executive Susan Freeman-Greene. Photo: 2018 Mark Tantrum A representative group for local government is launching a 'how-to' guidebook to help elected members stay safe ahead of this year's local elections. It comes as the government launches a toolkit of its own to help women and their employers navigate online harm. Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) says the abuse and harassment of elected members has been increasing, and councils were concerned about a potential chilling effect on people standing in local elections this year. Chief executive Susan Freeman-Greene said the abuse was both online and in-person, and ranged from threats of physical harm to being harassed and intimidated in public. "We need to keep people in public office safe, so they can focus on doing the best job they can. And we want anyone who is considering standing this October to feel confident about the safety of local democracy." Freeman-Green said she had spoken to people who were intending to run for council this year who had witnessed the abuse and harassment that some elected members receive, and as a result were thinking twice about putting their hand up. "They start asking themselves 'do I really want a job where my family might be subjected to abuse and threats from the public?'" she said. The guide is being launched this morning at an all-of-local government meeting, with mayors as well as council chairs and chief executives gathering in Wellington. It includes strategies on how elected members and candidates can stay safe online, including risk mitigation such as separating public profiles from private ones, and using a new phone number or PO Box for their campaigns. A section on staying safe in public contains scenarios on what to do in a tense public meeting or when approached in a public place by an upset member of the public or Sovereign Citizen (as well as the options they can take if behaviour approaches the legal definition of harassment), and how to mitigate risks at home. Minister for Women Nicola Grigg Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon Minister for Women Nicola Grigg planned to announce a toolkit the government was launching to help women and their employers address online harm. However, she was unable to attend in person due to severe weather and flight cancellations, and instead addressed the meeting via teleconferencing. The toolkit, developed by the Ministry for Women in collaboration with Netsafe, includes interactive educational modules, practical resources, and real-world case studies from women in leadership and public-facing roles. Grigg said research showed the alarming impact abuse and harassment on social media was having on women , particularly those in the public eye, including self-censoring, avoiding digital platforms, and having less contact with the public. "The prevalence of online harm has become a serious issue, disproportionately impacting women who are in the public eye. The growing phenomenon of online abuse has the very real potential to deter women from stepping into leadership roles and engaging in public and political life," she said. Freeman-Greene said LGNZ was "delighted" the government had released the toolkit. "It's vital that women leaders - who are in the spotlight across a range of sectors - have tools to combat abuse and harassment. It's clear from our survey data that women are particularly at risk of gendered abuse," she said. While most of the day's discussion topics will be around infrastructure funding, Freeman-Greene said it was important in an election year for candidates and elected members to also feel safe from harm. Building and construction minister Chris Penk and local government minister Simon Watts are also expected to speak about their portfolios in the afternoon. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
