Better service delivery for all
MP for Taupo
Last weekend here in South Waikato I attended the Raukawa 25-year anniversary, a fantastic celebration, and a great day for our community.
We were also fortunate to have Minister Chris Finlayson in South Waikato the same weekend which was great.
The past fortnight has been part of a three-week parliamentary sitting period, which ends at Easter.
A big issue and talking point across the electorate has been the Better Local Government reforms announcement.
Local government, like central government, needs to deliver better services within tight financial constraints; we all need to know that our councils are spending money wisely, on services that communities need.
The reforms will give councils more tools to help keep debt down and rates affordable.
They will make councils more fiscally responsible, strengthen council governance provisions and streamline council re-organisation processes. Councils will need to limit spending growth to no faster than inflation and population growth.
These are similar to the restrictions that the central government will be placing on its own spending.
Our councils must be able to play their part in economic growth. That means cutting red tape, minimising the rates burden on households and businesses, limiting debt, and providing highquality infrastructure.
Our local government reforms are an important part of our programme to build a more productive, competitive economy and to deliver better public services for our communities.
We want to work with local government in these challenging financial times to deliver efficient and affordable local government services for Kiwi families.
On another note, this week I will be judging the Putaruru College Maibiz Business competition, which I am really looking forward to. Last time I attended this I was hugely impressed by the work ethic and ideas our students showed.
If you would like more information, or need assistance with an issue, please phone the electorate office on 07 886 5554 or email Upston.sthwaikato@parliament. govt.nz.