30245 (2026). Mike Davidson to the Minister of Local Government

Written Question

Published date: 15 Jul 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	30245 (2026)
Question asked:	01 Jul 2026
Member asking:	Mike Davidson
Portfolio:	Minister of Local Government
Minister replying:	Hon Simon Watts
Answer received:	08 Jul 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_30245_2026
Document guid:	ed43b631-60aa-4c1c-850e-1f4b66a20ac6

30245 (2026). Mike Davidson to the Minister of Local Government: What advice, if any, has the Minister received from the local government sector regarding funding tourism-related initiatives, given the proposed restrictions on local government in the Local Government (Systems Improvement) Amendment Bill?

Hon Simon Watts: The assertion in the members question is based on is not correct. The Bill does not restrict local authorities from funding tourism-related initiatives—it requires councils to think carefully about the core services before investing in others. Councils are ultimately responsible for the activities they undertake. The new purpose of local government and the core services of local authorities in the Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill (the Bill) are intended to help councils prioritise.