Amendments have been gazetted that will have implications for how local authorities recognise the NES in their plans.

This newsletter summarises recent developments in law relating to resource management and local government in New Zealand that may be of interest to local authorities and decision makers.

From 27 March 2006 the minimum wage rate for adult workers will increase from $9.50 per hour to $10.25 per hour. For youth workers and trainees the rate increases from $7.60 per hour to $8.20 per hour.

In the wake of reports that the legislation will be watered down, the release of the committee report has been delayed.

The determination sets mandatory reporting requirements for financial and asset management information for water and wastewater suppliers to improve transparency.

All Bills that were before the House on 14 August have lapsed, but could be reinstated by the new House post-election.

The New Zealand Government has recently announced that it will introduce a new public holiday in 2022 to celebrate Matariki, the festival signalling the Māori New Year.

Exposure drafts of the regulations are being released to ensure that they are fit for purpose and technically accurate.

The Committee supported the intent of the Bill but concluded there were better ways to address the issue of transparency.

The recent and tragic event that occurred in the nation of New Zealand has been something of a shock the world around.

Interest on listed or widely held bonds will be exempt from the 2% approved issuer levy (AIL) as the Government seeks to encourage more foreign lenders to participate in the New Zealand corporate bond market. A number of restrictions are proposed on the exemption so issuers hoping to attract foreign interest will need to consider the legislation carefully, and to make submissions if they believe it requires amendment. No submission date has yet been set.

The House rises on 31 July 2014 in the lead-up to the election and all Bills before the House will automatically lapse.

The constitutional review reported back with an overall recommendation to keep discussing NZ constitutional arrangements.

The government has extended consultation timeframes for various national regulations and policy documents currently open.

As this legislation moves through Parliament, employers should consider if pay equity may be an issue in their industry.

This update focuses on LGA and the LGOIMA amendments, in relation to holding meetings through audio or audiovisual link.

National's employment relations policy, for re-election, promises more flexibility and should be welcomed by employers.

The reforms aim to improve the service delivery and infrastructure provision arrangements at the local government level.

This recent High Court decision reaffirmed the broad discretion and wide-ranging powers of local bodies to set rates.

These cases send a message to councils that they must ensure that building processes comply with current requirements.