LGA Sections
s3 - Purpose of Act
Provides a framework and powers for local authorities to decide which activities they undertake and the manner in which they will undertake them;
States the purpose of local government
Provides for local authorities to play a broad role in meeting the current and future needs of their communities for good-quality local infrastructure, local public services, and performance of regulatory functions.
Promotes the accountability of local authorities to their communities
s5 - Definition of significance
Significance, in relation to any issue, proposal, decision, or other matter that concerns or is before a local authority, means the degree of importance of the issue, proposal, decision, or matter, as assessed by the local authority, in terms of its likely impact on, and likely consequences for;
The capacity of the local authority to perform its role, and the financial and other costs of doing so
The district or region
Any persons who are likely to be particularly affected by, or interested in, the issue, proposal, decision, or matter:
s10 - Purpose of local government
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
enable democratic local decision-making and action by, and on behalf of, communities
s11 - Role
Give effect, in relation to its district or region, to the purpose of local government stated in section 10
Perform the duties, and exercise the rights, conferred on it by or under this Act and any other enactment.
a - Core Services
Network Infrastructure
Public Transport Services
Solid Waste Collection and Disposal
Avoidance or mitigation of natural hazards
Libraries, museums, reserves, and other recreational facilities and community amenities
s14 Principles
Be open, transparent and democratically accountable
Co-operate with other local authorities and bodies
Pay attention to views of all of its communities
Provide opportunities for Maori to contribute
Give effect to priorities and outcomes in an efficient and effective manner
Support the overriding purpose of the Act (s 3) and purpose of local government (s 10).
Principles and procedures are designed to guide the conduct of local authorities.
Take a sustainable development approach
The need to maintain and enhance the quality of the environment
The reasonably foreseeable needs of future generations
Social, economic and cultural well-being of people and communities
The s 14 general principles are supported by more specific principles, which guide the decisions and actions of the council. These specific principles relate to:
Special consultative processes
Consultation
Governance
Decision making
Accountability and transparency/reporting
Financial Management
s39 - Governance Principles
Effective relationships between elected members and management
Separation of regulatory and non-regulatory functions
Clarity in governance roles
Effective, open and transparent processes
Good employer
s77 - Decision making principles
Identify all reasonably practicable options for achieving objectives
Assess options for advantages and disadvantages
Consider Māori interests where a significant decision affects land or water
The Local Government Act 2002, defines a 'decision' as including agreement not to take action on an issue.(s 76(4))
Local authorities make dozens of decisions each day but are only expected to undertake full consultative and analytical processes for 'significant' decisions.
These are defined as highly important to community well-being, the people who are likely to be affected by the decision, or those that affect the ability of the local authority to perform its role and the costs of doing so.
s78 Community Views in Relation to Decisions
Local authorities must consider the views of people affected by or interested in the matter
s82 - Consultation Principles
Ensure views considered by authorities with an open mind
Create better-informed representative decisions
Enable the effective participation of the community in the decision-making of local authorities.
Enable transparency - people understand what decisions councils are making
s83 Special Consultative Processes
Used for significant decisions
Require a higher level of consultation with the public in relation to important/significant decisions
Councils must use a special consultative procedure (SCP) when consulting on particular decisions.
Deciding transfer of ownership of a strategic asset, building
Deciding levels of service provisions
Deciding to abandon or replacing a public asset
Making by-laws
Contents
Public Notice and Submissions
Statement of Proposal
Summary Statement of Proposal