Baldock Larry: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Baldock Larry: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:610;Page:7822] 
3.  
LARRY BALDOCK (United Future) 
 to the  
Minister of Local Government 
: Does he continue to stand by his statement that “As Minister of Local Government it is my responsibility and indeed my privilege to act as an advocate for local government.”? 
Hon CHRIS CARTER (Minister of Local Government) 
: 
 Yes. 
Larry Baldock 
: In his role as advocate for local government has he had his officials undertake any research into the likely costs that will be imposed on local councils—and therefore passed on to ratepayers—as a result of the proposals in the dog control amendment bill such as new fencing requirements; if not why not? 
Hon CHRIS CARTER 
: My officials are examining the whole range of issues that come up in that particular legislation. 
Gerry Brownlee 
: As the Minister considers himself to be an advocate for local government will he also concede that he should be an advocate for ratepayers; if so can he tell us what he has done for the ratepayers who come in the Auckland Regional Council area and who are facing rate increases of 34-plus percent? 
Hon CHRIS CARTER 
: Firstly I remind that member that I meet very regularly with ratepayer groups mayors and councillors but finally I will repeat what I said last week in answer to a related question: local authorities set their own rates and they are accountable for them. 
David Parker 
: What recent steps has the Minister taken in order to engage with local government? 
Hon CHRIS CARTER 
: As I said just a few seconds ago I regularly meet with mayors and councillors. Yesterday I met with over 25 local authority representatives on infrastructure issues. This Friday I will meet with a large number of South Island mayors. Next week I will meet with mayors from the central North Island in Waipukurau and in 2 weeks’ time I will meet with mayors from the Manawatu area in Feilding. 
Hon Ken Shirley 
: Further to an earlier question will the Minister tell the House why his self-proclaimed enthusiastic advocacy for local government does not extend to the interests of ratepayers who are compelled to pay for it all? 
Hon CHRIS CARTER 
: I stand by what I said a few minutes ago. I am very happy to meet with ratepayer groups councillors and people who work in local government and I do so very regularly. 
Jeanette Fitzsimons 
: Aside from attending all those meetings does the Minister believe he is acting as a strong advocate for local government in proposing as he did in his reply to question No. 7 on 29 July that local government bodies should have no greater rights than any individual in New Zealand in the decision on whether genetically engineered organisms should be released in their areas; and will he reconsider this position as they have asked? 
Hon CHRIS CARTER 
: I would be the first to concede that I could do better and I will try harder. 
Larry Baldock 
: In his role as advocate for local government can he give this House an assurance that he will seek to minimise any additional consultation requirements for local councils that arise from proposals in the dog control amendment bill; and does he have any plans to secure central government funding to prevent additional costs from adding to the burden of ratepayers as may have been indicated this morning on  
Morning Report 
? 
Hon CHRIS CARTER 
: I could never be an advocate for minimal consultation. I believe that the people of New Zealand the ratepayers deserve as much consultation as possible and a chance to have their voices heard by their local authorities. 
Larry Baldock 
: In his role as advocate for local government has he had any discussions with the Minister for ACC regarding a nationwide education campaign for dog owners to improve on the 8677 reported dog-bite incidents that cost the Accident Compensation Corporation $967000 last year thereby saving the Accident Compensation Corporation and local authorities money and the additional burden of more regulation? 
Hon CHRIS CARTER 
: The Government recognises that a public education campaign about dog safety is very important and we are doing just that. 
Larry Baldock 
: Therefore in his role as advocate for local government does he intend to take this matter up with the Minister for ACC; if not why not? 
Hon CHRIS CARTER 
: The whole Cabinet has been involved in the discussion on the public campaign for dog safety. The Minister for ACC was a powerful voice in that discussion.