Jane Nees BOP Regional Councillor www.janenees.co.nz

I am very concerned about local government reform.

I agree with the need for change. I applaud the aim of efficient and effective local government. We need to reduce bureaucracy, simplify and integrate planning, reduce costs and duplication, utilise and share best practice, focus on essential services and infrastructure. I accept considerable improvement is possible.

But in any organisational reform you must address function before form. Phase 1 of the Local Government Act (LGA) reforms is leading to preparation of structural amalgamation proposals in anticipation of the passing of the Act in November when we have no idea of how functions of councils may change as a result of the Phase 2 work, Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms, Land and Water Forum outcomes and transport reforms which are all planned or underway. This is likely to result in poor outcomes and rework.

In addition, there appears to be poor integration between the LGA reforms and the RMA reforms and no certainty on when and how these work streams will come together. This is resulting in huge uncertainty in the local government sector because there are so many unknowns being driven by a raft of reforms.

There are also changes afoot which appear contradictory. Treaty settlement agreements are adding time and cost to local government processes at the same time councils are being expected to streamline activities and limit costs. The Land and Water Forum recommendations also will add time and cost related to water right collaborative processes. I hope there is someone looking at how all these reforms are fitting together and how compatible they are.

It seems Phase 1 is being rushed to enable structural reform for some councils in advance of the September 2013 elections. Given that the Bill is not expected to be passed before November, I am not sure the Local Government Commission will be able to cope with the number of change proposals which may be generated and have resolution of them before the elections. Realistically, resolution will be required by June or July 2013 - or elections will need to be deferred.

Getting structures right and accepted by the community is crucial for functional local government and shouldn't be rushed - the costs of getting it wrong are too high. Change may be needed, but change management is very hard to get right and if not done properly can result in a worse position than prior to the change. I hope central government reconsiders the timing of the reforms. And preferably get functional change confirmed before structural change is rushed.

If you have any views on this or any other issue, please email me: neesj@xtra.co.nz or phone: 07 579 5150. You can check out my website at www.janenees.co.nz