 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||
Touching us where we live
Unless we have a problem with our rates or rubbish collection, few of us think about local government until the hoardings go up and the voting papers arrive. But local government provides the framework on which our communities are built. Many of the decisions that have the greatest effect on people's lives are made by local, not central, government. But while we get on with our lives, our elected local body representatives and the employees of our territorial or regional council are quietly making sure that all the things we take for granted, such as clean streets, safe parks for the kids, a quality water supply, pest control, attractive town centre and more, are provided in a timely and cost-effective way so that our local community is a comfortable and attractive place to live. We have a right to have a say in local government - and a need to speak out to protect and advance our interests. But our voice is more likely to be heard if we understand how local government works. That is the purpose of this guide. It explains what local government is, what it does, and where it fits in New Zealand's system of representative democracy. It aims to give citizens the information they need to shape local government and have a say in how things are run.
Local authorities provide, protect and develop where we work, live and play. Quality services to citizens rely on quality council governance and management. It matters to elected representatives, citizens and employers what councils do, how they decide what to do, and how they do it.
Public Service Association Charter for Local Government