Latest news with #LocalGovernmentNewZealand
Scoop
4 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
No Place For Abuse In Local Democracy
Ruapehu District Council Chief Executive Clive Manley is calling out the abuse and harassment directed at elected members, warning it has no place in local democracy and must stop. 'Serving your community as a councillor or board member is a privilege - but it also takes guts,' said Mr Manley. 'No one should face abuse, intimidation, or discrimination simply for doing their job.' A Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) survey found that nearly half of elected members nationwide have faced abuse, racism, gender discrimination, or other harmful behaviour. 'Unfortunately, Ruapehu elected members also report being subjected to abuse and harassment,' he said. 'This behaviour is deeply concerning and has no place in Ruapehu. Our democracy relies on people being able to speak freely and represent their communities without fear. If harassment continues unchecked, it risks discouraging good people from standing and undermining the diversity and effectiveness of local government.' Mr Manley noted that much of the abuse comes from a small group of repeat offenders, especially online. 'These individuals demonstrate little understanding of how local government operates and what it takes to be an elected member - or how hard they work. As we head into the election period, we won't hesitate to ban people from Council's Facebook page if they cannot engage respectfully.' With nominations for the 2025 local elections opening on Friday 4 July, Council is urging anyone considering standing to feel confident in doing so. 'Council is committed to supporting elected members and candidates stand for election and serve their community,' said Mr Manley. 'There are resources available to help people run a safe and successful campaign and to continue their work safely once elected.' These tools include guidance on protecting privacy, staying safe in public and online, managing social media interactions, reporting abuse, and accessing support services and counselling. Mr Manley said he has also discussed the issue with local Police, who have confirmed they will take any complaints of harassment or abuse extremely seriously. 'We want people from all walks of life to consider standing,' said Mr Manley. 'We need a council and community boards that reflect the diversity of our district - and no one should be put off because of bad behaviour by a small minority.' 'If you've got something to say and want to make a difference, we encourage you to step forward. You won't be alone - you'll have our full support.'
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
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Local Councils Get A Bailout In Budget 2025
The Taxpayers' Union is slamming the Government's decision to expand the rates relief regime for SuperGold cardholders, describing it as a 'bailout for wasteful councils'. Taxpayers' Union Spokesman, James Ross said 'Instead of forcing local councils to live within their means, Simon Watts has caved to the pressure from Local Government New Zealand by issuing deficit spending to 'shut up the oldies' complaining about unaffordable rates. It will mean councils will be under even less pressure to reign in their costs, and shifts the burden of out-of-control rates onto taxpayers.' 'Shifting costs from retiree ratepayers onto taxpayers does not make councils more efficient or tackle the costs of living. It's why we need rates capping right now - as done in some states in Australia and councils across the UK." 'While the Minister refused to meet the likes of the Federated Farmers, the Taxpayers' Union, and other groups concerned about rates - those dinners with LGNZ and council-lovies have clearly worked. They get a bailout, while ratepayers and taxpayers fly in the wind.
