Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

 Plain Language Law homepage
Back to
161: Regional authority must adopt policy on dangerous dams, earthquake-prone dams, and flood-prone dams
or “Local authorities must create rules for unsafe dams in their area”
You could also call this:

“The rules explain how to make, change, and check the rules about dangerous dams every few years.”

You need to know how a policy about dangerous dams is made and updated. When a regional authority wants to create this policy, they must follow a special process that involves asking the public for their opinions. This process is called the special consultative procedure, and it’s explained in section 83 of the Local Government Act 2002.

If the regional authority wants to change the policy or replace it with a new one, they have to use the same special process. After they make or change the policy, they need to send a copy to the chief executive as soon as they can.

The regional authority must check the policy every five years to see if it needs updating. They can’t wait longer than five years between these checks. Even if it’s time to review the policy or if they’re in the middle of reviewing it, the policy still works and must be followed.

This text is automatically generated. It might be out of date or be missing some parts. Find out more about how we do this.

Next up: 162A: Purpose

or “This law aims to keep young kids safe from drowning by making it hard for them to get into pools without an adult.”
Next

Part 2 Building
Safety of dams: Policy on dangerous dams

162Adoption and review of policy

  1. A policy under section 161 must be adopted in accordance with the special consultative procedure in section 83 of the Local Government Act 2002.

  2. A policy may be amended or replaced only in accordance with the special consultative procedure, and this section applies to that amendment or replacement.

  3. A regional authority must, as soon as practicable after adopting or amending a policy, provide a copy of the policy to the chief executive.

  4. A regional authority must complete a review of a policy within 5 years after the policy is adopted and then at intervals of not more than 5 years.

  5. A policy does not cease to have effect because it is due for review or being reviewed.