The PHA – an informed, collaborative and strong advocate for public health.

Council Long-term Plans

Putting public health into Council Long-term Plans

The PHA is encouraging members to get involved and make submissions on their local councils' Long-term Plans. This is especially important in light of the government's new local body legislation that could have significant implications for public health.

To this end we are providing the following resources:

• A Brief Guide to the Long-Term Plan (from the Local Councils website)
• The PHA's guide to putting public health into Council Long-term Plans
  This document will help you think about what you should be asking your local council with regards to its Long-term Plan
• Council Long-term Plan consultation periods
  Find out when your local council's consultation period starts and finishes. This list will be updated as we get more information from councils.

Council websites can be accessed at www.lgnz.co.nz/lg-sector/maps/index.html.

Background

In March, the government announced an eight-point programme which included major changes to the purpose of local government.

A key element of the programme is to amend the Local Government Act 2002, replacing all references to

"the social, economic, environmental and cultural wellbeing of communities" (the four wellbeings) 

      with

"providing good quality local infrastructure, public services and regulatory functions at the least possible cost to households and business."

The programme will begin with a Bill to be introduced to Parliament in May, and the aim is for the Bill to be passed by September.

People with an interest in public health may also want to make submissions to the government on these changes. We will be posting more information here as it comes to hand.