simon watts

Minister for Land Information Hon Mike Butterick has welcomed the Public Works Amendment Bill passing its third reading in Parliament tonight. The Public Works Act enables central and local government and infrastructure providers to acquire land that is needed for infrastructure development. This includes roads as well as public facilities, energy transmission and railways. “The Public Works Act has not been substantially updated since 1988 and has not kept pace with modern infrastructure deve…

The Government is delivering on its commitment to cut red tape and make building more affordable, with over 60 plumbers and drainlayers approved to self-certify their work in the first week of the scheme, Building and Construction Minister Simon Watts says. Since applications opened last Monday 7 September, more than 60 plumbers and drainlayers have been approved to self-certify on a wide range of work without waiting for a council inspection. “Trusted tradespeople want to get on with the job,…

The Government is progressing a new development levies system to improve infrastructure funding for housing and urban growth across New Zealand, with several changes confirmed following consultation with councils and developers. Housing Minister Chris Bishop, Local Government Minister Simon Watts and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer say the updated proposals include changes to how levy areas will operate, requiring the Crown to pay development levies, independent regulation…

The Government is delivering changes to get councils focused on the basics, with the Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill passing its third reading, Minister Simon Watts says. “The Bill is a significant step forward for councils and their communities. It means a stronger focus on core services, clearer information on performance and greater accountability for the decisions councils make. “Ratepayers expect councils to deliver the services they rely on. This Bill removes the fo…

Did you find what you were looking for? Find what you were looking for? Help us improve AI search results bygiving your feedback (3-5 mins). From:Department of the Taoiseach Government Chief Whip, Minister of State Mary Butler, has today published the Government’s Autumn 2026 Legislation Programme, following its approval this morning by Cabinet. The programme sets out the Government's legislative priorities for the upcoming 13-week parliamentary session and reflects the Government's continu…

Recently, I met with the Minister with Responsibility for Works, Hon. Robert Morgan and the National Works Agency to review the progress of road and infrastructure projects across Jamaica and to ensure that the work being done remains within the budget. The works are progressing, and we are looking at securing the additional funding needed to support the projects already underway. I am especially mindful of the concerns being raised by Jamaicans about community and rural roads where conditions …

Further changes to a Bill aimed at strengthening the Local Government Act to support councils’ focus on core services and improving systems have been introduced to the House today, Local Government Minister Simon Watts says. Progress will this week be made through the House on the Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill. Several amendments are being made, including to support council-controlled water organisation borrowing and ensure a smoother transition to the new system for co…

The Government will change the Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill to ensure councils can set appropriate development contributions that reflect the growth-related infrastructure costs associated with Fast-track projects, Housing and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Local Government Minister Simon Watts say. “Fast-track is helping desperately needed housing, infrastructure, energy and investment projects move through the consenting system without being bogged down in u…

Did you find what you were looking for? Find what you were looking for? Help us improve AI search results bygiving your feedback (3-5 mins). From:Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, has today announced the list of projects that will be included under the new Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund programme. With almost 120 projects across every local authority in the State, this new Government inve…