Local Government Mythbusters
How much do we really know about how well our local council works? Where do we go for information that allows us to determine whether or not the services and processes that we take for granted are up to scratch? In short, how does local government in New Zealand compare with councils elsewhere? Find out in this report.
Local Government shakeup
Big changes are planned for the local government sector. The Government has released its blueprint for change, Better Local Government.
Briefly, it wants councils to focus only on local issues, reduce spending, limit staff numbers and pay, and and facilitate amalgamations and shared services.
The Government claims local council spending is out of control but that is disputed by Local Government New Zealand and others.
The proposed changes in local government are part of the wider government public sector agenda to cut staff and services and foster privatisation.
How will you be affected?
Local councils will now be under pressure to reduce staff and limit pay increases. The Government says the “Local Government Act 2002 will be amended to empower councils to set policy on the number of staff to be employed and the overall remuneration policy.” The Government claims high wages in the local government are contributing to high debt.
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PSA says this is nonsense – wage increases the sector are on a par with the private and central government sectors.
Redundancies and relocations are likely because the changes will make it much easier for councils to amalgamate.
Time frame
Legislation will be introduced in Parliament in May and will be passed by September. No change is likely until after the October 2013 local government elections.
Local Government Newsletters: October 2011 Keep up with what's happening in the local government sector...read more.
Find out the latest local government news from Auckland...read more.
Hamilton City Council must engage unions to achieve best outcomes The PSA is calling on Hamilton City Council to work alongside unions as it looks to slash millions of dollars from its budget....read more.
PSA Local Government Sector Committee elections 2011
The new Sector Committee members are:
Northland / Auckland: Gary Gabbitas (Far North DC), Benedict Ferguson (Auckland Council)
Waikato / Bay of Plenty: Martin Gregory (Hauraki DC), Flash Sandham (Taupo DC)
Lower North Island: Ian Cooper (Palmerston North CC)
Wellington region: Neil Coup (Lower Hutt CC)
South Island: Michele Argyle (Invercargill CC)
Women’s rep: Annette Smithard (Auckland Council)
There will also be two Te Runanga reps on the committee (to be confirmed).
Across the board increase at Hauraki District Council
A members meeting at Hauraki District Council has unanimously voted to accept a new collective agreement for a one year term.
In previous agreements pay adjustments have been determined by market information on rates for specific jobs and underpinned by a small minimum increase. This year members achieved their aim of full collectivity and have agreed an across the board 2.4% increase.
Martin Gregory, PSA delegate at the Council said:
“A negotiated across the board pay rise is better than having pay dictated by the vagaries of the job market. Negotiation gives members some control, which is far better than relying on the employers’ market information. It looks after the interests of everyone rather than having a winners and losers situation. The flat rate fits in with what unions are all about: togetherness.”
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No student loan required At any one time, Learning State - the public sector industry training organisation - has around 4,000 people studying for qualifications that range from an induction programme to a management course at almost degree level. What they have in common is that all are designed with the public sector in mind....read more.
Nelson in the news Nelson City and Tasman District councils' merger plan will cut 68 jobs...read more over at stuff.co.nz
Most Government departments in Nelson have fewer staff now than three years ago and the axe continues to loom over some...read more over at stuff.co.nz
“Keep Public Libraries Free” Campaign
PSA supports the drive for legislation that will keep public libraries free across New Zealand....read more.
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New industry training organisation for local government
Learning State is the new industry training organisation for local government.
From 1 April 2011, the Local Government Industry Training Organisation (LGITO) ceased operating and Learning State, the industry training organisation for the public sector, began providing industry training services to local government.
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PSA Submission on Wellington region governance
PSA members provided feedback to the recent Wellington Region Governance Review. We have built a submission which has now gone to all Councils in the region...find out more.
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