Local Government
Submissions on Māori ward bill open for two days
Submissions are invited on a bill changing laws around the establishment of Māori wards by councils but they must be in by is 5pm Thursday 11 February. Audio
Local councillors gagging themselves?
It's not unusual for local council bosses and mayors to try to control what councillors say when the media come calling. But one council’s elected representatives have created a code of conduct… Audio
Councils call for more influence over housing, climate change policies
Local Government NZ argues giving councils more influence in critical areas would lead to financial efficiency and improved services.
Story of the day with Robert Kelly
Rob Kelly talks about the importance of local government...and chicken wings. Audio
Ports proposal prompts ‘communist’ conclusions
One Auckland councilor’s proposal to offload half of a key public asset prompted a talk radio star to say the state takeover of major industries was imminent - drawing a puzzled response from the PM.
…Mayor: Calls to cut pay and rates 'irresponsible'
South Wairarapa's mayor says staff and councillor pay cuts and rates freezes are unrealistic for rural councils.
Covid-19: Council can’t explain gaps in meeting footage
Rotorua Lakes Council says no public matters were edited out of its recording of its pre-lockdown meeting. Video
BOP cuts back public consultation due to Covid-19
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has suspended public consultation for its annual plan, but will continue for crucial flood protection measures.
Transparency a challenge for Northland during lockdown
The Northland Regional Council is assuring the public that democracy is alive and well, despite them being unable to attend its meetings.
South Wairarapa among local councils moving online
South Wairarapa District Council is bringing forward its live-streaming plans after concerns were raised over transparency during the lockdown.
Whakatāne signs off land transfer to Kawerau
One of New Zealand's smallest councils is on track for a 478-hectare boost, which it hopes will create more jobs.
Wellington's 'Waripori' Street corrected to honour chief
A descendant of Māori chief Te Wharepōuri says correcting the spelling of a suburban Wellington street named after him will help right an historic wrong.
Are councils spending too much on consultants and contractors?
An investigation from Central Otago news website Crux has found that the Queenstown Lakes District Council has spent three hundred and eighty eight million dollars on consultants and contractors over… Audio
More staff for councils as 'localism' seeks to add responsibilities
This year saw more responsibilities heaped from central government onto councils through new proposed freshwater rules, an overhaul of the country's three waters systems, and new "well-being" targets.
Councils given 44 recommendations for financial management
Councils must make changes in order manage growing financial pressures, the Productivity Commission says.
Reflecting on the local government elections
With local government elections done and dusted, outgoing Dunedin mayor and LGNZ president Dave Cull joins the panel to reflect on how local elections have changed over the years. Audio
Local policy matters
Local body voting papers have been delivered ahead of elections later this month. There are five hundred and thirty seven elections taking place for councils and health boards throughout the country… Audio
Local government. More candidates nailing colours to the mast
With about a month to go before voting begins in the 2019 local elections, new research is revealing the influence of central party politics in local government, especially in Auckland. Audio
Local government: the figures
Michael Fallows has written a piece on Stuff based on figures from Local Government NZ on who we are electing to these roles. Audio
Government turns off the tap for big water news
The government’s handling of an important announcement last Wednesday muddied the waters when it turned off the tap for all media but one.