The Local Government Act 2002 sets out the framework within which Councils are to operate and describes the purpose of local government as including the promotion of “the social, economic, environmental and cultural wellbeing” of its catchment area (the “four wellbeings”).
Furthermore, local authorities are obliged to act in accordance with a number of principles, namely that they should:
Conduct their business in an open, transparent and democratically accountable manner;
Give effect to their identified priorities and desired outcomes in an efficient and effective manner;
Take account of community views;
When making decisions, take account of the diversity of the community and its interests, the interests of future communities, the impact on the four wellbeings;
Provide opportunities for Maori to contribute to decision making processes;
Collaborate and co-operate with other local authorities and make efficient use of their resources;
Undertake commercial transactions in accordance with sound business practices;
Ensure prudent stewardship and efficient and effective use of their resources in taking a sustainable development approach which takes account of the four wellbeings, the need to maintain and enhance the quality of the environment, the reasonably foreseeable needs of future generations.
Our firm has Lawyers who specialise in understanding Local Government legislation and the other issues facing councils at present.
To discuss this area further with us please contact our team members shown on the right.
