Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill (No 3)

Thank you very much, Mr Deputy Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to speak for as long as I am permitted to on this Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill (No 3). I just want to commend my colleague from New Zealand First, Denis O’Rourke, for his impassioned speech. Who would think that we could get quite so passionate about local government? This bill certainly goes to the heart of my expertise around communities, and I am very glad to be able to speak on it tonight.

I want to talk, firstly, about the development contributions part of this bill, which is obviously very significant and has some significant implications for Canterbury, of course. What I am concerned about is the risk that these costs will be passed—

Order! The time has come for the House to adjourn.

Debate interrupted.

The House adjourned at 6 p.m.