Local Government
Govt not using 'amalgamation' term when describing new reforms
The Government has been careful to avoid using the term 'amalgamation' when describing its new local government reforms. Audio
Councils merger 'could be hard to swallow'
Combining Wellington and Porirua city councils could mean a 10 percent rates hike, but may help deal with growth.
Local govt wants to limit public appeals over decisions
Limiting appeals on council policy decisions could improve reforms to the Resource Management Act, according to Local Government New Zealand.
Christchurch Council to sell $136m business
Christchurch City Council has started its controversial programme of asset sales, announcing plans to sell 100 percent of City Care. Audio
Court ruling dismays Mangawhai ratepayers
Mangawhai people challenging rates set by the Kaipara District Council are dismayed by their latest defeat in court.
Chch mayor's office doubles in size
The Christchurch mayor's office has more than doubled in size under Lianne Dalziel but her chief of staff says ratepayers are getting good value for money.
Queenstown joins call for special economic zones
A think tank is urging the government to introduce so-called special economic zones, which can be used to vary tax rules and other legislation. Audio
Fears Auckland's old houses will be lost
Heritage groups across Auckland are worried the city's history will be lost if certain suburbs are cut out of proposed protection areas.
Auck Council moves to online newsletter
Auckland Council is moving to more online communication with residents through its own news and information website.
Council restructure costs over $1m
Christchurch City Council has revealed a staff restructuring between 2013 and 2014 cost the city more than $1 million.
Builders may get to certify own work
The Government is considering allowing builders to sign off their own work in an effort to cut red tape on building work.
Arrival of mega cruise ship to test New Zealand ports next year
Ports and councils are under pressure to boost their infrastructure in time for mega cruise ships bringing in tens of thousands more passengers. Audio
Council amalgamation - 'nigh on impossible'
The president of Local Government New Zealand says it is nigh on impossible to push through council amalgamations under the current set up. Audio
Funding for public parks, is it sustainable?
Andrew Leslie is the Chief Executive of New Zealand Recreation Association. He's concerned that funding from local Government for public parks is not sustainable and if alternative investment isn't… Audio
More on online voting being in jeopardy
Returning to our earlier story about online voting at next year's local government elections being in jeopardy - the Associate Minister for Local Government Louise Upston joins us Audio
Water NZ wants more iwi-council cooperation
Water New Zealand is encouraging local governments to form partnerships with iwi to co-manage natural resources.
Is Wellington's super city proposal set to be scuppered?
The mayor of Porirua says the city is in a stalemate over amalgamation and the government needs to step in. The Local Government Commission is expected to announce its decision today on whether or not… Audio
Councils consider ways to get more money out of ratepayers
Councils are looking at how to get more money out of ratepayers. Local Government New Zealand published a list of ideas about how to do it yesterday. As well as the usual water metering and other user… Audio
Business NZ says costs should also be reviewed by local govt
Local Government New Zealand has released a discussion document looking at ways communities and regions can raise funds and other supports necessary to achieve development goals. Audio
Could rates be a thing of the past in 10 years time ?
Water and sewage meters, and getting royalties from mining are among options being looked at to lessen councils' reliance on rates. Audio
