The Government’s proposal to reform local government
announced today (Tues 25 Nov) lacks detail and robust
analysis of the problem it’s trying to address, the PSA
says.
The PSA is concerned that these reforms could
lead to significant disruption and expensive restructuring
to the 5000 regional council workers across the country. PSA
members working in regional councils perform vital roles
around environment management, emergency preparedness and
civil defence planning, regional transport, biodiversity and
more.
Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here
Tikanga Mahi National Secretary Duane Leo says the proposal
raises more questions than it answers.
“There is no
clarity around the reform. The regional reorganisation plans
create uncertainty at a time when we need to be focused on
preparedness and protections in the face of increased
extreme weather events,” Leo said.
“Whatever happens,
there must be a fair and just transition for people working
for councils, and strong engagement with their unions as
this progresses.
“This proposal potentially undermines
local democracy by shifting regional decision-making to
people voters never chose to represent them. Mayors elected
to serve their own districts would suddenly be making
decisions for entire regions. We could see significant
marginalisation of constituents in smaller districts,” Leo
said.
“These reforms continue the Government’s
ongoing focus on marginalising Māori in local decision
making, as we have seen with the Māori ward referendums and
attacks of te Tiriti o Waitangi.”
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“People working for
councils have deep knowledge of what’s needed and must be
able to contribute to the process. We will be putting
forward their views and representing their
interests.”
The Public
Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is
Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and
supporting more than 95,000 workers across central
government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health
care and community
groups.
