This member's bill would have amended the Local Government Act 2002 to permanently permit local authority members to participate in meetings remotely and to count towards quorum. It was defeated at first reading.
This bill amends the Local Government Act 2002 to make permanent the ability of elected council members to take part in council and committee meetings remotely, by audio or video link, and to be counted toward the quorum, the minimum number of members who must be present for a meeting to make valid decisions. In effect, a councillor joining by video call would count the same as one physically in the room. It affects local authorities and their elected members, and is especially relevant to councils covering large rural areas where travel to meetings can be difficult.
The proposal is a member's bill introduced by Labour MP Cushla Tangaere-Manuel, who represents the geographically vast Ikaroa-Rāwhiti electorate. Supporters argue it improves accessibility and participation, helps members who face long journeys, illness or caring responsibilities, and reflects practices normalised during the COVID-19 period. Opponents worry that routine remote attendance could weaken face-to-face debate, accountability and the connection between elected members and the communities and colleagues they serve, and prefer in-person presence as the default for local democracy.
See the Parliament.nz ↗ site for the full bill.