The body that represents all 78 of New Zealand's local authorities has brought out a set of guidelines for how councils can work better with local business interests.
Local Government New Zealand's 'Business Friendly Councils' guidelines are designed to encourage economic development across the country by identifying the different ways councils can support local businesses.
The guidelines were produced by LGNZ in partnership with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
LGNZ said the project was "an explicit attempt by local government and its partners to increase support of business activity across all of New Zealand".
LGNZ Metro Sector Chair Stuart Crosby, who is also the mayor of Tauranga, said that in creating the guidelines LGNZ invested in research to better understand the role and economic contribution our six largest cities make to the New Zealand economy.
"This research identified competitive advantage, distinctiveness and specific areas where collaboration can add value
"The guidelines give each city-region a set of key principles for becoming more business friendly."
Six principles have been identified that are intended to reduce the regulatory and non-regulatory barriers, costs, risks and uncertainties in all forms of commercial activity to stimulate and support local business growth, local business retention and the attraction of new business to the local area.
These are:
- Build excellent relationships and partnerships – at the heart of a business friendly council;
- Context matters – identify local challenges and local business needs;
- Provide certainty and clarity for business decision-making;
- Make every interaction with business count;
- Be proactive and look for opportunities to support businesses; and
- Respond rapidly and flexibly to business after major emergencies.
LGNZ said that local government was nationally investing over $8 billion in infrastructure and services annually that enable businesses to operate effectively.
President of LGNZ Lawrence Yule said:“We are a significant and major player in New Zealand’s economic development. Critical to our success in this role is our partnership with central government and business,
"Business Friendly Councils provides an opportunity for LGNZ to further develop an evidence based conversation with the business community on how our sector can help support the economic development of New Zealand."
LGNZ said the guidelines represent the "sharing of best practice" and are available to all of local government as a resource to help create business friendly cities.
"The guidelines will assist councils around the country to promote prosperous and resilient local economies providing good living standards for local communities that contribute to New Zealand’s economic prosperity."
9 Comments
Astounding that LGNZ has had to introduce guidelines. Any Councillors with common sense would realise the importance of being business friendly to their region. Or perhaps these guidelines are directed at Council staff.
I hope the issue of Councils expansion into service type endeavours that are competing against private business is in the guidelines as well. When those deemed with issuing many of the licences and consents etc can protect their own entities while increasing the compliance costs of the private operator.
"Provide certainty and clarity for business decision-making"
Hmm.
Mr Building Consent Officer (except if you're in Christchurch, where the title is 'Hired from Anyone Actually Accredited to Do this Consenting Shtick'):
- How long before my Consent issues? It's a standard plan, non-novel materials, and I am an experienced Master builder with a good track record.
- How much, exactly, will my Consent cost? I quoted a Fixed Price to stay in business, and need your quote for certainty as to my cashflow and project timeframes.
- How many different interpretations of the same Building Code, from different Inspectors, do I need to allow for in my contingencies? I've budgeted for three major and seven minor (being a lover of prime numbers) - is this realistic? Or should I aim for eleven or seventeen?
Well, Mr Master Builder, I'm afraid I cannot answer any of those questions, because it All Depends on the state of your Consent application, the working temperature of my immediate supervisor, the individual vagaries of our many New Inspectors, the state of their digestion at the exact time of each inspection, the phase of the moon and their birth sign.
Now, if you'd like to complete this Satisfaction Survey, thoughtfully issued by the Union of Local Gubmint Drones, re the State of Business Friendliness of this proud (stage whisper left - 'so, remind me, who the f..k am I working for This week?. yup, k, thanks.) Middle-Earth District Council, and give us a pat on the back on each and every question, I'll see about expediting your Consent.
No pressure, naturally.
(1) The purpose of local government is—
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(a) to enable democratic local decision-making and action by, and on behalf of, communities; and
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(b) to meet the current and future needs of communities for good-quality local infrastructure, local public services, and performance of regulatory functions in a way that is most cost-effective for households and businesses.
(2) In this Act, good-quality, in relation to local infrastructure, local public services, and performance of regulatory functions, means infrastructure, services, and performance that are—
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(a) efficient; and
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(b) effective; and
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(c) appropriate to present and anticipated future circumstances.
How many Councils can tick all of the boxes above?
Section 12 Status and Powers is not carte-blanche, the purposes of the Act have to be kept at the forefron of all decision making.
Councils attitude of we can do what we like, when we like, how we like, and charge accordingly was not mandated in the legislation.
Section 12 does not provide carte-blanche to Council, Council must keep the Purposes and Principles at the forefront of any decision making.
These clauses should be printed in large letters and hung in every council executive meeting room and every council chambers in the country.
Those wonderful clauses s10(1)(b) and 10(2) were passed into law in December 2012. I took a random sample of Annual Plans last year and every one said "no change for us". Which tells you what the mindset is.
Within a month or so of the law passing Wellington City Council unanimously approved an expensive earthquake strengthening programme for its old Town Hall. Even their CEO advised against it. This was a test for the new law in that I think those clauses required the council to conduct an analysis of the usage the building was getting now and into the future, and what the other options were for providing the same functionality. Only then could they also weigh the heritage values and preferably do something more scientific than put out a proposal for consultation before making the final decision.
The point is that this law change lifts the decision-making bar way higher than it was and I see no sign of our councils even trying to jump that bar.
Obviously large corporate companies have far more power than local councils, or bylaws or the local people:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/9779615/Countdown-heavies-small-towns
They have more lawyers and money than councils trying to maintain their laws and community.
Does Government and the rule of law and democracy really govern anymore?
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