Better local body information access on way

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 231, 16 February 1988, Page 2

Better local body information access on way

All local and regional authorities in New Zealand, including special purpose authorities, will be subject to some form of official information legislation from 1 March. This is when the Local Government Official Infor-

mation and Meetings Act 1987 comes into force and, combined with the amended Official Information Act, means that the public has better access to information held by local authorities and meetings of local authorities become more open. Local authorities covered by the scope of the two

Acts include city, borough, district, united and regional councils, catchment authorities, harbour, electric power, education, hospital and area health boards. The legislation gives any person or group of persons the right to request information says the Secretary for Local Government, Mr Peter Boag.

A limited publicity campaign will be undertaken to inform people of their rights and an explanatory brochure on the provisions of the new legislation has been prepared by the Department of Internal Affairs. "A special effort is being made to inform ratepayers, the largest group of people affected by the legislation," says Mr Boag.

Copies of the brochure are being sent out to every territorial local authority for distribution . within their districts. It has been suggested to authorities that they include the brochure with their next rating notice to ratepayers. Mr Boag said this would also demonstrate to the public the commitment of local government in making the legislation work.

The brochure, with a printing of 1.4 million, has been produced by the department in association with the Ombudsman's Office. It covers in broad terms how to make requests for information, including personal information; costs; refusals of requests; attendance at meetings; and complaints concerning the legislation.