The Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill has now passed its third reading, and has become law — signalling a clear shift in direction for local government.

The changes make it clear the purpose of local government is to focus on the provision of infrastructure, public services and regulatory services (such as dog control) – and to support the development and growth of the region by doing things well.  Councils are required to focus on the following core services to its communities: network infrastructure, public transport services, waste management and minimisation, civil defence emergency management and libraries, museums, reserves, and other community and recreational facilities.

That’s it.  That’s what Parliament has decided should be the role and focus of KCDC and all other local Councils.  To make its intent really clear, the new legislation also removes the four “well-beings” from the statutory purpose of local government.

The Aill also makes an important democratic change: non-elected members of council committees will generally no longer have voting rights.

In addition, most political parties are now lining up behind the rates capping proposal.

NOW COMES THE TEST FOR KCDC.

This afternoon (22nd September), KCDC Councilors are meeting to consider the feedback received during its latest engagement on the Long-term Plan 2027–37.

So what will the Council do?

Will it take the new direction seriously and put core services, affordability and sound financial management first?

Or will ratepayers continue to see money directed into an ever-expanding range of social, environmental, cultural and economic development initiatives?

Our recent article on rates capping highlighted the issue of out-of-control spending. And in an earlier article, we debunked Council’s argument that rising costs above CPI automatically justify continued high rates increases.

The reasons that KCDC has used in the past to justify high rates increases have been shown not to stack up.  And now the Government has now made its direction of what it wants from local government much clearer.

Will KCDC follow that direction — or continue with business as usual?

We’ll be speaking at today’s full Council meeting starting at 1.30 pm and will be watching closely what they do from here.

You should too.

Attend if you can, or watch the meeting online. Council provides agendas, livestreams and recordings through its meetings page.

This is a meeting ratepayers should not ignore.