Statement of Consultation Undertaken
Stakeholder Consultation
34. This round of stakeholder engagement followed on from significant consultation that created the initial position paper in October 2006. The MED presented a discussion paper that developed the policy framework of the position paper (in effect a "possible next steps") at a forum jointly hosted by the two major stakeholder groups, Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) and the NZ Utilities Advisory Group (NZUAG). This forum was attended by over 150 representatives of local authorities, government agencies and utility operators. Feedback was invited and 40 responses were received: 19 District Councils, four City Councils, Auckland Territorial Authorities (as one group); Auckland Regional Transport Authority, Transit NZ, Ontrack; Telstra, Telecom, four Lines companies (Vector, Powerco, Orion, and Delta Services for Aurora Energy); NZUAG; LGNZ, two industry groups (Electricity Networks Association and Electrical Engineers Association); and three private individuals. There were no responses from water companies.
35. The issues raised through this most recent engagement round meant that the initially proposed policy framework was revised. The proposal for the statutory responsibility for an explicit governance role of local authorities was clearly not supported. Stakeholders have been co-operating on developing a code of practice as the solution to address the policy problem. Representatives from Auckland Territorial Authorities, Transit NZ, Ontrack, the Gas Association of NZ Inc, Electricity Networks Association, Electricity Engineers Association, Telecommunications Carriers Forum, Local Government New Zealand and the New Zealand Utilities Advisory Group have been meeting and working together on the issues to be addressed. Since the further discussion paper in February 2007, momentum has increased and the stakeholder developed final draft of the code of practice is expected to be produced by December 2007. Wider stakeholder engagement is signalled for February 2008, initiated by the NZUAG.
Government Departments/Agencies Consultation
36. An official's review group consisting primarily of the Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Transport, and Department of Internal Affairs provided a relevant across - government perspective. The Ministry of Transport maintained contact with Transit NZ and Ontrack. The Ministry for the Environment was informed (as there are links with their work on the Proposed National Environmental Standards for Telecommunications Facilities), as was Treasury.
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