Cunliffe David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Cunliffe David: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:606;Page:3862] 
10.  
DAVID CUNLIFFE (NZ Labour—New Lynn) 
 to the  
Minister of Local Government 
: What reports has he received of feedback on the consultation procedures in the new Local Government Act 2002? 
Hon CHRIS CARTER (Minister of Local Government) 
: 
 I have received a report that Southland local body leaders have vigorously endorsed the procedures in the new Local Government Act providing for consultation with the community including Maori. Southland Mayor Frana Cardno said that the Act was flexible and allowed individual councils to work out their own relationship with local iwi. 
David Cunliffe 
: Has he any concern that under the consultation provisions of the Local Government Act Maori groups are unduly influencing decision making at the local level? 
Hon CHRIS CARTER 
: No I do not. For example I have received a report that Michael Ross chief executive of the Southland District Council had said that claims that Maori now had a veto over council decisions were rubbish. The person who made those claims was none other than the local member the Hon Bill English.  
Gerry Brownlee 
: It might be of interest to the Minister to know that we wrote to all local authorities in January asking them how they would comply with the consultation processes in respect of Maori representation. Of them 38 said they hoped to become compliant at some time 28 failed to respond 13 had no idea at all what they would do two believed that they had already complied and one had yet to see the Local Government Act. Given the extraordinary level of disinterest and non-compliance with that Act why on earth does he stand up and spout about the successes of one small local authority at the bottom end of the country? 
Mr SPEAKER 
: The question was too long. It is “uninterest” not “disinterest”. 
Hon CHRIS CARTER 
: I am pleased to repeat positive reports to this House when I meet local body politicians all over the country. For example the Mayor of Nelson Paul Matheson said he was quite comfortable with the local government legislation. One interesting comment from Environment Southland chairman Ted Loose was that Mr English was talking a lot of rubbish in his claim that Environment Southland would be forced to have Maori constituency. 
Murray Smith 
: Is the Minister aware of concerns from community boards around the country that despite the spirit and intent of the Local Government Act to increase community consultation some councils have indicated their intention to axe community boards and what plans does he have to address those concerns? 
Hon CHRIS CARTER 
: Under the new Act decision making is essentially a local matter. However I would like to take this opportunity to say that community boards do an excellent job in engaging with communities which is of course what the spirit of this Act is all about. 
Rt Hon Winston Peters 
: I seek leave to table a media report this day that points out that because of NgatiWhatua demands $200000 will be required to source shells for a dotterel population in Auckland from the NgatiWhatua area rather than from Thames. 
Mr SPEAKER 
: Leave is sought to table that document. Is there any objection? There is objection.