Discover key insights from the Chief Ombudsman's report on council workshops, with legal experts from Simpson Grierson. Uncover transparency recommendations and legal obligations under the LGOIMA 1987.
- 13 Dec 2023
- 10:00 - 11:00
- Save to my Calendar
- 325.00 (plus GST) Members
- 325.00 (plus GST) Non Members
About this event
The Ombudsman’s latest report into the practice of workshops calls for councils to adopt a default ‘open’ approach to conducting business, and to increase their efforts to have the public attend elected members’ information gathering steps prior to councils making decisions.
Council decisions can be complex, requiring layers of understanding. They often need to be based on specialist advice and information. The Ombudsman’s report signals that councils should open any workshops to the public, so that communities have a better opportunity to understand the initial drivers and advice that lies behind a Council decision. Adopting this approach will, in the Ombudsmen’s view, assist to reduce any perception of secrecy surrounding the processes of councils.
Openness and transparency are key foundational planks of our democratic process, and – properly observed - provide for greater understanding and trust in decision-making processes. The question to be asked in light of the report is how councils can continue to support elected members in the lead-up and through the decision-making process, and whether there is still a basis for excluding the public at certain times.
Join our webinar, and hear from Mike Wakefield, Partner, and Judith Cheyne, Senior Associate, from Simpson Grierson, on the report, related issues and potential solutions for your council
Registration Information
The cost for this webinar is $325+GST per council.
Only one person at each council is required to complete the registration on the Taituarā website. Leading up to the event we will send the Zoom link to the person who registered their council to attend. You are welcome to share this link with others in your organisation who are interested in attending the webinar (including remotely).
Note: this event is being recorded and will be made available to registrants 7-10 working days after event completion.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact events@taituara.org.nz
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Presenters
Mike Wakefield
Partner, Simpson Grierson Read ProfileMike Wakefield
Partner, Simpson GriersonMike is a partner in Simpson Grierson’s environment and planning group, based in Wellington. He specialises in local government and environmental law, with a particular focus on the regulatory functions and processes of local government (including under the RMA), and decision-making and governance obligations and requirements. He regularly represents local authorities in relation to RMA matters (including before the higher courts) and has appeared before many other specialist tribunals and council hearings on specific strategic and regulatory matters.
Judith Cheyne
Senior Associate, Simpson Grierson Read ProfileJudith Cheyne
Senior Associate, Simpson GriersonJudith is a senior associate in Simpson Grierson’s planning and environment group, based in Christchurch. She recently re-joined Simpson Grierson after several years as part of the in-house legal team at Christchurch City Council. Judith specialises in local government issues, advising on decision-making, consultation and conflict of interest matters, official information and privacy, rating issues, bylaws and policy development. She also has significant experience with local government regulatory issues, including Building Act, Dog Control, Sale and Supply of Alcohol and Health Act.