1: Title
This Act is the Local Government Regulatory Systems Amendment Act 2019.
2: Commencement
This Act comes into force on the day after the date on which it receives the Royal assent.
1: Amendments to Dog Control Act 1996
3: Amendments to Dog Control Act 1996
This Part amends the Dog Control Act 1996 principal Act 2019-03-21 Dog Control Act 1996
4: Section 2 amended (Interpretation)
In section 2 disability assist dog disability assist dog Schedule 5
5: Section 10A amended (Territorial authority must report on dog control policy and practices)
Replace section 10A(3) and (4)
3: The territorial authority must—
a: give public notice, as defined in section 5(1) of the Local Government Act 2002, of the report; and
b: make the report publicly available, as described in section 5(3) of that Act.
6: Section 78D replaced (Regulations authorising organisation to certify dogs as disability assist dogs)
Replace section 78D
78D: Regulations amending Schedule 5
1: The Governor-General may, by Order in Council, amend Schedule 5
a: adding or removing the name of an organisation that is authorised to certify a dog as being a dog that has been trained (or is being trained) to assist a person with a disability; or
b: amending an item in that schedule referring to an organisation.
2: Regulations under this section may be made only on the recommendation of the Minister after the Minister has consulted the Minister for Disability Issues.
7: New Schedule 5 inserted
After Schedule 4 Schedule 5 Schedule
2: Amendments to Local Electoral Act 2001
8: Amendments to Local Electoral Act 2001
This Part amends the Local Electoral Act 2001 principal Act 2019-03-21 Local Electoral Act 2001
9: Section 4 amended (Principles)
Before section 4(1)(a)
aa: representative and substantial electoral participation in local elections and polls:
10: Section 115 amended (When members come into office)
Replace section 115(1)
1: A candidate who is declared to be elected comes into office on the day after the day on which the official result of the election is declared by public notice under section 86.
3: Amendment to Local Government Act 1974
11: Amendment to Local Government Act 1974
This Part amends the Local Government Act 1974 principal Act 2019-03-21 Local Government Act 1974
12: Section 336 amended (Pedestrian malls)
Replace section 336(9)
9: When the special consultative procedure is used for the purposes of subsection (1), the council must, in addition to the matters referred to in section 83(1)(b)(i) to (iii) of the Local Government Act 2002, ensure that an explanation of the right of appeal under subsection (3) is publicly available.
4: Amendments to Local Government Act 2002
13: Amendments to Local Government Act 2002
This Part amends the Local Government Act 2002 principal Act 2019-03-21 Local Government Act 2002
14: Section 5 amended (Interpretation)
1: In section 5(1) Internet site
2: In section 5(1) public notice public notice
a: is made publicly available, until any opportunity for review or appeal in relation to the matter notified has lapsed, on the local authority’s Internet site; and
b: is published in at least—
i: 1 daily newspaper circulating in the region or district of the local authority; or
ii: 1 or more other newspapers that have a combined circulation in that region or district at least equivalent to that of a daily newspaper circulating in that region or district
3: In section 5(1) working day working day
a: Saturday, Sunday, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Anzac Day, Labour Day, the Sovereign’s birthday, and Waitangi Day; and
b: if Waitangi Day or Anzac Day falls on a Saturday or a Sunday, the following Monday; and
c: the day observed in the appropriate area as the anniversary of the province of which the area forms a part; and
d: a day in the period commencing with 20 December in any year and ending with 10 January in the following year.
4: In section 5(3)(a) on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the local authority on the local authority’s Internet site
15: Section 42 amended (Chief executive)
After section 42(2)(d)
da: facilitating and fostering representative and substantial elector participation in elections and polls held under the Local Electoral Act 2001; and
16: Section 93 amended (Long-term plan)
Replace section 93(10)
10: A local authority must, within 1 month after the adoption of its long-term plan, make the plan publicly available.
17: Section 93C amended (Content of consultation document for adoption of long-term plan)
1: In section 93C(2)(c)(i) on rates, rates increases, on rate increases
2: In section 93C(3)(c) on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the local authority on the local authority’s Internet site
18: Section 95 amended (Annual plan)
Replace section 95(7)
7: A local authority must, within 1 month after the adoption of its annual plan, make the plan publicly available.
19: Section 95A amended (Purpose and content of consultation document for annual plan)
In section 95A(3)(c) on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the local authority on the local authority’s Internet site
20: Section 98 amended (Annual report)
Replace section 98(6)
6: A local authority must, within 1 month after the adoption of its annual report, make the report and the summary prepared under subsection (4)(b) publicly available.
21: Section 101A amended (Financial strategy)
In section 101A(3)(b)(i) on rates, rate increases, on rate increases
22: Section 261B amended (Secretary must make rules specifying performance measures)
In section 261B(4)(b) on an Internet site maintained by, or on behalf of, the Secretary on the Secretary’s Internet site
23: Section 261G amended (Consultation on proposal to incorporate material by reference)
In section 261G(1)(c) on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the Secretary on the Secretary’s Internet site
24: Section 261H amended (Access to material incorporated by reference)
In section 261H(1)(c) on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the Secretary on the Secretary’s Internet site
25: New section 261I and cross-heading inserted
After section 261H Rules establishing requirements of form
261I: Secretary may make rules establishing requirements of form
1: The Secretary may make rules establishing requirements of form for information or documents that a local authority is required under this Act or any other Act to make publicly available or to provide to anyone.
2: The purposes for which rules may be made under subsection (1)
a: to ensure that information or documents that a local authority is required to make publicly available are widely accessible, including to persons with disabilities:
b: to ensure that information that a local authority is required to make publicly available is presented in a reusable format to facilitate collation or research.
3: Before making any such rules, the Secretary must—
a: consult every local authority; and
b: publish in the Gazette
c: give interested persons a reasonable time, which must be specified in the notice, to make submissions on the proposal.
4: After making such rules, the Secretary must—
a: make the rules available, at all reasonable times, on the Secretary’s Internet site; and
b: give notice in the Gazette
5: Rules made under this section are effective 28 days after the date on which the notice is given in the Gazette
6: A rule made under this section is a disallowable instrument, but not a legislative instrument, for the purposes of the Legislation Act 2012 and must be presented to the House of Representatives under section 41 of that Act.
26: Schedule 7 amended
1: In Schedule 7 clause 22 clause 22 or 22A
2: In Schedule 7
22: Extraordinary meetings
1: Despite clause 19(4) to (6), an extraordinary meeting of a local authority may be called by—
a: a resolution of the local authority; or
b: requisition in writing delivered to the chief executive and signed by—
i: the mayor or chairperson; or
ii: not less than one-third of the total membership of the local authority (including vacancies).
2: Notice in writing of the time and place of the meeting called under subclause (1)
a: at least 3 working days before the day appointed for the meeting; or
b: if the meeting is called by a resolution, within a lesser period of notice that is specified in the resolution, being not less than 24 hours.
22A: Emergency meetings
1: Despite clause 19(4) to (6), if the business to be dealt with requires a meeting to be held at a time earlier than is allowed by the notice requirements of clause 22(2)(a)
a: the mayor or chairperson; or
b: if the mayor and chairperson are unavailable, the chief executive.
2: Notice of the time and place of an emergency meeting and of the matters in respect of which the emergency meeting is being called must be given by the person calling the meeting or by another person on that person’s behalf, by whatever means is reasonable in the circumstances, to each member of the local authority and to the chief executive at least 24 hours before the time appointed for the meeting.
3: In Schedule 7
3: A committee or other subordinate decision-making body, community board, or member or officer of the local authority may delegate any of its responsibilities, duties, or powers to a subcommittee or to another committee or subordinate decision-making body, community board, or member or officer of the local authority, but, to avoid doubt, if doing so is itself a sub-delegation, the power to so delegate is subject to any conditions, limitations, or prohibitions imposed in connection with the primary delegation.
27: Schedule 10 amended
In Schedule 10 on an Internet site maintained by or on behalf of the local authority on the local authority’s Internet site
5: Amendments to Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987
28: Amendments to Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987
This Part amends the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 principal Act 2019-03-21 Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987
29: Section 2 amended (Interpretation)
1: In section 2(1) Internet site
2: In section 2(1) publicly notified publicly notified
a: is made publicly available, until any opportunity for review or appeal in relation to the matter notified has lapsed, on the local authority’s Internet site; and
b: is published in at least—
i: 1 daily newspaper circulating in the region or district of the local authority; or
ii: 1 or more other newspapers that have a combined circulation in that region or district at least equivalent to that of a daily newspaper circulating in that region or district
3: In section 2(1) working day
b: the day observed in the appropriate area as the anniversary of the province of which the area forms a part; and
c: a day in the period commencing with 20 December in any year and ending with 10 January in the following year.
30: Section 46 amended (Meetings of local authorities to be publicly notified)
Replace section 46(3) and (4)
3: If an extraordinary or emergency meeting of a local authority is called and cannot be publicly notified in the manner required or permitted by subsections (1) and (2), the local authority must cause that meeting and the general nature of business to be transacted at that meeting—
a: to be publicly notified as soon as practicable before the meeting is to be held; or
b: if it is not practicable to publish a notice in newspapers before the meeting, to be notified as soon as practicable on the local authority’s Internet site and in any other manner that is reasonable in the circumstances.
6: Amendment to Local Government (Rating) Act 2002
31: Amendment to Local Government (Rating) Act 2002
This Part amends the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002 principal Act 2019-03-21 Local Government (Rating) Act 2002
32: Section 23 amended (Procedure for setting rates)
Replace section 23(5)
5: A local authority must, within 20 working days after making a resolution, make the resolution publicly available on an Internet site maintained by it or on its behalf to which the public has free access.
7: Amendments to Rates Rebate Act 1973
33: Amendments to Rates Rebate Act 1973
This Part amends the Rates Rebate Act 1973 principal Act 2019-03-21 Rates Rebate Act 1973
34: Section 2 amended (Interpretation)
1: In section 2(1) income
ii: any payment made under the Veterans’ Support Act 2014 other than—
A: weekly income compensation; or
B: weekly compensation (whether for a veteran or the veteran’s family); or
C: veteran’s pension; or
D: retirement lump sum; or
E: children’s pension; or
F: dependant’s pension:
2: In section 2(1) income
viii: any winter energy payment received under the Social Security Act 2018
35: Section 7A amended (Refund to resident of retirement village of contribution towards rates)
Replace section 7A(1)(a)
a: who has a residential unit in the retirement village but is not a ratepayer in respect of that unit; and


Local Electoral Matters Act 2019

1: Title
This Act is the Local Electoral Matters Act 2019.
2: Commencement
This Act comes into force on the day after the date of Royal assent.
1: Amendments to Local Electoral Act 2001
3: Amendments to Local Electoral Act 2001
This Part amends the Local Electoral Act 2001 2019-04-09 Local Electoral Act 2001
4: Section 5 amended (Interpretation)
In section 5(1) voting method combination of or choice between
5: Section 36 amended (Voting method for elections and polls)
After section 36(3)
4: Subsection (5)
a: regulations authorise the use of a voting method, for the purpose of conducting a trial of that method, by a specified class of elector in any specified class of election or poll or in any specified election or poll; and
b: the local authority adopts that voting method for the specified class by resolution in accordance with those regulations.
5: The voting method to be used by the specified class of elector in the election or poll must be the method adopted by resolution under subsection (4)
6: If, under subsection (5)
7: If subsection (5) or (6)
6: Section 37 amended (Consultation)
In section 37(1) section 36(1) or (4)
7: New section 73B inserted (Electoral officer may abandon voting method)
After section 73A
73B: Electoral officer may abandon voting method
1: The electoral officer may abandon a voting method if, at any time during the voting period, the electoral officer has reasonable grounds to consider that the method has failed or been compromised.
2: Without limiting subsection (1)
a: a system or facility used for the method fails or malfunctions with the effect that some or all of the votes cast using the method are destroyed or otherwise irretrievable:
b: a system or facility used for the method has been manipulated with the effect that it is not possible for the electoral officer to be satisfied, for some or all of the votes cast using the method, that the votes are recorded accurately.
3: If the voting method involves a combination of or choice between methods, the decision to abandon a method applies only to (and affects only votes cast using) the method that has failed or been compromised.
4: If the electoral officer abandons a voting method,—
a: any votes cast using the method must be disregarded (including for the purpose of section 83(2)); and
b: an elector whose vote is disregarded may vote again—
i: using another method of voting (if subsection (3)
ii: by casting a special vote; and
c: if the public notice under subsection (5)(a)
5: The electoral officer must, as soon as is reasonably practicable,—
a: give public notice that the method has been abandoned and of the matters described in subsection (4)
b: if it is possible to identify electors whose votes have been disregarded, take all reasonable steps to notify those electors that the method has been abandoned and of the matters described in subsection (4)
6: The electoral officer may give any other notice that the electoral officer considers desirable.
8: Section 89 amended (Electoral records)
1: In section 89(3) subsection (2) or section 102C
2: In section 89(3)(a)(ii) for a recount or an inquiry
3: In section 89(4) subsection (2) or section 102C
4: In section 89(4)(b) in accordance with section 102G(2)(b)
5: In section 89(5) In this section and in section 102C
9: Cross-heading above section 93 amended
In the cross-heading above section 93 Inquiry Petition for inquiry
10: New sections 102A to 102I and cross-headings inserted
After section 102 Application by electoral officer for inquiry into election or poll
102A: Application by electoral officer for inquiry
1: An electoral officer who has reasonable grounds to believe that an irregularity of the type described in section 102G(1)(a)
2: The application may be made jointly with 1 or more electoral officers responsible for affected elections or polls.
3: The application must—
a: be filed after the close of voting and before the official results are declared, but in any case not more than 21 days after the close of voting; and
b: be served on the electoral officer responsible for any affected election or poll that is not a subject of the application; and
c: be heard and determined by a District Court Judge.
4: For the purposes of this section, an election or poll is affected subsection (1) 2001 No 35 s 93
102B: Preliminary or official results not to be announced or declared
1: After an application for an inquiry has been made in respect of an election or poll, the electoral officer must not, despite sections 85 and 86,—
a: make any announcement (or any further announcement) of the preliminary results of the election or poll; or
b: declare the official result of the election or poll.
2: Subsection (1) section 102G(2)
102C: Deposit of electoral records
1: As soon as practicable after an application for an inquiry has been made,—
a: the electoral officer must secure all voting documents and specified materials in the prescribed manner; and
b: the voting documents and materials must be deposited with the District Court.
2: See
102D: Notice of application
1: As soon as practicable after an application for an inquiry has been made, the electoral officer must—
a: give public notice of the application; and
b: if the application concerns an election, give written notice of the application to each candidate.
2: The notice must specify the elections and polls in respect of which the application is made and state the grounds for the application.
3: If the application for an inquiry is made jointly, the electoral officers may give public notice under this section jointly.
102E: Who may be respondent
1: A notice of an intention to oppose an application for an inquiry may be filed by—
a: any candidate or any 10 electors, if the application concerns an election; or
b: any 10 electors, if the application concerns a poll.
2: A person who files a notice under subsection (1) 2001 No 35 s 95
102F: Time for holding inquiry
An inquiry must be commenced within 14 days after the filing of an application for an inquiry, and not less than 7 days’ public notice must be given of the time and place at which the inquiry will be held. 2001 No 35 s 96
102G: Result of inquiry
1: The District Court Judge conducting the inquiry must determine whether—
a: an irregularity occurred that has—
i: materially affected the result of the election or poll (which may include, for example, an irregularity resulting in an insufficient number of votes being capable of being counted or relied upon for there to be confidence in any result); or
ii: directly or indirectly severely undermined public confidence in the integrity of the election or the validity of the results (or both); and
b: as a result of the irregularity, the election or poll is void.
2: If the District Court Judge determines that the election or poll is not void,—
a: the electoral officer must, as soon as practicable after the determination,—
i: give public notice of the determination; and
ii: subject to any direction of the Judge, take any other steps necessary to complete the electoral officer’s functions in relation to the election or poll in accordance with this Act:
b: if the electoral officer requires the voting documents and materials deposited with the District Court under section 102C(1) paragraph (a)(ii)
3: A determination under this section that an election or poll is not void does not preclude, or determine an inquiry on, a petition under section 93.
102H: Provisions that apply to inquiry
The following provisions apply to the inquiry:
a: section 97 (which relates to the powers of the District Court Judge conducting the inquiry):
b: section 99 (which provides that elections or polls must not be declared void on the ground of certain irregularities):
c: section 100(1)(a), (2), and (3) (which relates to the costs of an inquiry).
102I: New election or poll if election or poll declared void
1: Section 102 (which provides for a new election or poll to be held or taken if an election or poll is declared void) applies to the inquiry, subject to the modifications described in subsections (2) and (3)
2: If an election or poll is declared void as a result of an irregularity in the operation of a voting method, the District Court Judge may order that the new election or poll be conducted—
a: using a different voting method; or
b: using the same method, subject to specified modifications.
3: A District Court Judge who makes an order under subsection (2) 2001 No 35 s 102 Order to be final
11: Section 139 amended (Regulations)
In section 139(1)(c) or any specified election or poll (or, for the purpose of conducting a trial of a voting method, by a specified class of elector or by all electors in any specified class of election or poll or in any specified election or poll)
12: Section 141 amended (Voting methods)
In section 141
2: Regulations made under section 139(1)(c) may specify a class of elector by reference to—
a: a local government area or subdivision in which the specified class of electors is eligible to vote; or
b: any other characteristic that makes a voting method suitable for the specified class of electors (for example, in relation to an electronic method of voting, the members of the specified class may reside overseas or in remote locations, or have a relevant disability).
3: If regulations made under section 139(1)(c) prescribe as part of a voting method the use of electors’ date of birth information,—
a: the regulations must also prescribe—
i: measures to prevent unauthorised access to, or use of, electors’ date of birth information; and
ii: the manner in which documents or records containing electors’ date of birth information must be secured after the completion of the count (in accordance with section 89(1)):
b: any document or record containing an elector’s date of birth must be treated as specified material for the purpose of section 89(5).
13: Section 142 amended (Electoral rolls)
In section 142
2: Despite subsection (1) and section 139(1)(f), regulations made under section 139(1)(f) must not provide for any electoral roll to include an elector’s date of birth.
14: Consequential amendment to Local Electoral Regulations 2001
1: This section amends the Local Electoral Regulations 2001
2: After regulation 11(2)
2A: Despite subclause (2)(a)(iii), the electoral roll must not include any elector’s date of birth. 2019-04-09 Local Electoral Regulations 2001
2: Amendments to Electoral Act 1993
15: Amendments to Electoral Act 1993
This Part amends the Electoral Act 1993 2019-04-09 Electoral Act 1993
16: Section 112 amended (Supply of information on age and Maori descent)
1: In section 112(1)(b)(ii) descent ; or
2: After section 112(1)(b)
c: without limiting paragraph (a), for the purposes of research by that person that relates to elector participation in an election, a by-election, or a poll conducted under this Act or the Local Electoral Act 2001,—
i: a list of electors in a particular age group as defined in section 114(9); or
ii: a list of electors of Māori descent.
3: In section 112(3)(f) ;— ; or
4: After section 112(3)(f)
g: 1 or more named local board areas;—
17: Section 113 amended (Supply of computer-compiled lists and electronic storage media to local authorities)
1: After section 113(10)(f)(iv)
iva: local board area; or
2: After section 113(10)
11: However, if a local authority has resolved to adopt, for an election, a by-election, or a poll, a voting method to which section 141(3) of the Local Electoral Act 2001 applies,—
a: the electoral official of the local authority is also entitled to obtain the elector’s date of birth under subsection (1); and
b: for that purpose, subsections (1) to (5) apply as if the date of birth of an elector described in subsection (10) were also specified information.