Mapp Wayne: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Mapp Wayne: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:610;Page:7355] 
11.  
Dr WAYNE MAPP (NZ National—North Shore) 
 to the  
Minister of Local Government 
: When he said in the House last Thursday “we are working with the local government sector to identify upcoming infrastructure costs and whether additional funding tools are necessary.” does that work include the promised review of the total local government system in Auckland and what progress has been made on that review? 
Hon CHRIS CARTER (Minister of Local Government) 
: 
 The Government has not promised a review of the total local government system in Auckland. It is reviewing the Auckland-specific provisions in the Local Government Act 1974 that relate to the Auckland regional growth strategy Infrastructure Auckland and Watercare Services Ltd. Draft terms of reference are being developed. 
Dr Wayne Mapp 
: Why has it taken 8 months since last year for him even to get to draft terms of reference and why is he not treating the issue with urgency given that there has been a 34 percent increase in Auckland Regional Council rates with another 18 percent increase in the future; or is this Minister not on top of his job? 
Hon CHRIS CARTER 
: The Government passed the Local Government Act the most comprehensive review of local government in New Zealand since 1989 in December last year. We said at that time that this year we would be reviewing provisions relating to Auckland. As that member being an Auckland member would know dealing with Auckland issues is complex and delicate. 
Mike Ward 
: Does the Minister not think that the Auckland Regional Council provides a vital mechanism for protecting the Auckland people and environment from the orchestrated and frequently parochial demands of the city’s mayors for more roads? 
Hon CHRIS CARTER 
: This question was raised with me last week in the House. I said at that time that local authorities set their own rates and are accountable for them. I stand by that statement. I remind the House that there appears to be divided opinions on the Auckland Regional Council rating among Auckland mayors. I am not surprised about that. 
Hon Ken Shirley 
: Does the Minister consider it appropriate that average Auckland Regional Council ratepayers are confronting a 34 percent increase in property tax principally to pay for public transport that they will never use and if he does think that is appropriate could he explain why? 
Hon CHRIS CARTER 
: I do not think it is appropriate that I comment on the territorial authority’s setting of rates but I note in this House that I am surprised that the ACT party has taken this position as businesses on the North Shore of Auckland have had a substantial drop in their Auckland Regional Council levy. 
Hon Ken Shirley 
: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I asked this Minister a specific question—whether he thought the increase was appropriate. His reply was that he did not think it was appropriate for him as Minister to reply. Last week in the House he told us that that was his responsibility as Minister. Which way does he want it? 
Mr SPEAKER 
: The member is making a political statement. The Minister’s answer did address the question although the member might not agree with it. 
Gordon Copeland 
: Will the Minister’s review of local government funding consider removing GST charges from rates revenue—a tax on a tax raised by councils—in order to alleviate funding pressure; if not why not? 
Hon CHRIS CARTER 
: The United Future party raised this question last week. I have discussed the matter with my officials and I am advised that there are a number of issues relating to GST in the new Local Government (Rating) Act. I will send that party a letter on that issue very shortly. 
Nanaia Mahuta 
: How will the review of the Auckland-specific provisions in the Local Government Act be undertaken? 
Hon CHRIS CARTER 
: The Government will work cooperatively with Auckland’s local authorities on this matter. Central government officials and Auckland Regional Council officers are already engaged in preliminary work to develop draft terms of reference for the review. 
Rodney Hide 
: As Minister of Local Government does he accept any responsibility for the rate rises in Auckland; if not why not? 
Hon CHRIS CARTER 
: I repeat my earlier words to this House: local authorities set their own rates and they are accountable to their ratepayers for them. 
Hon Ken Shirley 
: I seek leave to table the Minister’s reply from last week when he outlined his responsibilities as Minister of Local Government. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to table those replies. Is there any objection? There is objection.