Today Minister Rodney Hide has addressed some 600 attendees here in Christchurch at the Local Government NZ conference with a message of ''Is what we doing going to make the boat go faster''. i.e. Improve our economic performance. If not - then that is what is wanted. I believe the review of the Local Government Act 2002 amongst other points looks at the core roles of councils indicating these should include transport, water services, public health an safety. Along with the Ministers' own platitude of an excellent Education project in Manukau and I quote 'COMET taught me the crucial role Local Government can play in better directing and facilitating centrally funded programmes such as education" and then the Hon. John Carter addressing us on the benefit of good Aging Strategy's from our councils, Judge Andrew Beacroft seeking Councils help with Youth offending - I like others was a litte confused on exactly where we were to row the boat to. But then there was mention of the use of binding polls or referenda. So I gather if the poll or referenda says we can provide these services - then we can. I couldn't imagine not working with the many agencies we do for the wider good of our community.
So - interesting times in Local Government.