Latest fromLocal Democracy
‘We’re not a charity’: No pay for councillor on medical leave
Tauranga’s first Māori ward councillor has not yet been able to take up his role.
LIGHTS OUT: District council addresses faulty LEDs impacting urban street light network
Council pursuing a warranty claim with original hardware supplier
'We are not against Māori wards': PM emphasises principle of local democracy in debate
PM speaks on Māori wards, healthcare, forestry while visiting Gisborne.
Forestry sector's claims of council inexperience disputed by local environmentalists
Environmentalists say forestry industry needs to look at its own failings.
Councillor braces for more anti-Māori rhetoric
Toni Boynton believes rhetoric will increase as Māori ward referendum approaches.
Cost to hold Māori ward referendums revealed for 12 councils
Officials have criticised the additional cost as "significant" and a "waste of money".
Canterbury farmer joins push for council shake-up
Allan Andrews wants Ashburton Council to leave Canterbury’s regional council.
Brown says councils must respect ratepayer money
'Finding savings isn’t a one-off exercise,' the Local Government Minister says.
Wellington mosque wanting to broadcast call to prayer three times a year
One broadcast would be on the anniversary of the Christchurch mosque attacks.
'Our children are not skittles': The roundabout with 50 crashes in five years
The Clendon community wants Auckland council to rethink safety measures for the area.
Environmentalists and farmers question Govt proposals on forestry rules
Forestry Minister cites 'unworkable regulatory burden' as a reason for proposed changes.
Tairāwhiti councillors divided on freshwater planning
Gisborne councillors ponder whether to wait for national guidance on freshwater planning.
Far North council sticks with Māori ward, but challenges polling requirement
The Far North District Council is the last of 45 to decide on its Māori ward.
'Eyesore": Graffiti attacks triple - costing ratepayers $100k
'Our public spaces are meant for everyone to enjoy, and vandalism ... ruins this.'
City with 'best water' looks at how best to deliver it
New laws mean councils need to review how best to provide water services.
'Accident waiting to happen': Concern over dog attacks on vineyard sheep
Sheep are often left to roam free in vineyards to help keep the grass and weeds down.
$1.9b for transport: Where it will be spent in Bay of Plenty
Cash boost part of $32.9b National Land Transport Programme for 2024-2027.
‘Kick in the guts’: Rates bill shock for commercial property owner
'In one year? What are they thinking?'
Farming leader concerned over land and water changes
Changes include take & use of water, wetland construction & agricultural intensification.
Gisborne's DrainWise programme hailed a success by mayor
Gisborne's DrainWise scheme hailed for boosting sewage system capacity during wet weather.
Māori ward to stay: Referendum to decide its future in 2028, 2031 elections
A referendum will now be held alongside the 2025 local government election.
Gisborne school denies breaching resource consent for five years
Gisborne school seems to have breached consent by operating classes on ground floor.
AT board ignores wishes of Mayor Wayne Brown and hands CEO large salary and bonus scheme
The AT board also ignored Brown's wish for a contested recruitment process.
‘Paddling the waka together’ – Western Bay votes to keep its Māori ward
'We're just getting kicked left, right and centre just for trying to be a Māori.'
Getting a rates remission should not be such a burden: Linda Hall
OPINION: The task is on ratepayers' backs, and it shouldn't be.
'Ghost dog': Owner who fought $300 fine questions city's canine data
It comes as the council spends $30k chasing owners of unregistered dogs.
‘I’m stuck’: Hope fades in a community of ‘valueless’ homes
'Nobody would buy it... the threat is right there and nothing has been fixed.'