We are a strong advocate for our members, and for the local government sector. We regularly provide input on central and local government policy in the form of feedback on reviews and submissions to select committees.
We also provide day-to-day policy advice to members when required, and publish a member-only Quarterly Briefing.
Electoral (Maori Electoral Option) Legislation Bill submission (lodged 24 July 2022) - This amendment bill proposes to allow Māori voters to switch rolls between rolls at almost any time. The number of electors on the Māori roll is important for determining the boundaries and numbers of Māori electorates. This bill would require the Electoral Commission to provide this information to the Government Statistician whenever a census takes place.
Local Electoral (Advertising) Amendment Bill submission (lodged 9 June 2022) - This amendment bill would amend the Local Electoral Act 2001 to address concerns around candidate safety by loosening the requirement that candidates attach either their residential or business address to electoral advertising. It would allow email addresses, PO box or phone numbers, or links to an internet page to be used instead.
Transforming recycling submission (lodged May 2022) - Submission to the Ministry for the Environment on the three proposals to (1) establish a container return scheme, (2) make improvements to kerbside recycling, and (3) separate business food waste.
Economic regulation and consumer protection for three waters submission (lodged 17 December 2021). This is the Taituarā submission on how economic regulation and consumer protection for the future three waters system should be designed - a consultation by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
Emissions Reduction Plan submission (lodged 24 November 2021). This pertains to the Ministry for the Environment consultation in respect to the transitioning to a low-emissions and climate-resilient future.
Building Code Update 2021 submission (lodged on 4 June 2021). This consultation by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment proposes to increase energy efficiency in buildings, introduce HVAC requirements, and natural light for high-density housing. There is also a news article introducing the proposed changes here which we published before preparing the submission with our members.
The Climate Change Commission's Draft Advice to the Government submission (lodged on 28 March 2021). This outlines the Climate Change Commission's recommendations for reducing emissions and suggests the direction of policy that Aotearoa New Zealand could take to get there. The Climate Change Commission's finalised advice will be shared with the Government by 31 May 2021.
Water Services Bill 2021. This Bill provides Taumata Arowai with a fleshed out set of regulatory responsibilities and duties, and the powers it needs to fulfil these. An exposure draft of the Taituarā submission is available.
Submissions lodged in 2020
Deaths, Funerals, Burial and Cremation submission (lodged on 30 October 2020). The Ministry of Health consulted on a review of the Burial and Cremation Act 1964. The consultation document set out a range of options for modernising the legislation about death certification, regulation of funeral directors, burial and cemetery management, cremations and new methods of body disposal.
Building for Climate Change submission (lodged on 16 October 2020). The Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment consulted on reducing emissions from buildings during their construction and operation, while also preparing buildings to withstand changes in the climate.
Local Government (Rating of Whenua Māori) Amendment Bill (lodged on 17 April 2020). The Taituarā Executive Board has approved our submission on the Rating of Whenua Māori Amendment Bill. We
are generally supportive of the Bill’s intent though we consider some
of the proposed solutions need some further refinement.
Infrastructure Funding and Financing Bill submission (lodged on 5 March 2020). The Transport Committee continues to meet. Raymond presented to the Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee on 16 April 2020. It was live streamed and can be viewed on Facebook. Raymond appears about 51 minutes in.
Taumata Arowai – the Water Services Regulator Bill (lodged on 4 March 2020). Raymond and Karen presented to the Health Select Committee on 11 March 2020. We support a regulatory body, and most of the submission was to raise concerns that the Bill does not make sufficient provision for the perspectives of the industry in the regulator's governance and engagement perspectives. We anticipate this will be one of the top priorities when Parliament resumes on 28 April 2020.
Inquiry into Elections (lodged 4 March 2020). We submitted to the Justice Committee Inquiry into the 2019 Local Elections. The Chair of the Electoral Committee, Dean Heiford and Raymond appeared at the Committee in June 2020.
Urban Development Bill submission (lodged on 14 February 2020). Raymond presented to the Environment Select Committee on 19 March 2020. It was live streamed and can be viewed on Facebook. Raymond appears around 10 minutes in.
Get in touch
Contact Raymond Horan if you have any questions, or would like to provide input into future submissions.
