‘Slippery slope to mediocrity’: Mayors hit back after PM demands focus on basics
Luxon has called for councils to 'rein in the fantasies' and manage spending.
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'Historic shift for NZ': First regional deal will be finalised by next year
'We will only finalise deals with regions that are focused on the basics' - Simeon Brown.
Councillor not sure 'lavish' bus shelters with living roofs would be approved today, minister calls the shelters 'crazy'
A Paraparaumu Community Board member called it 'gold plated'.
Huge water leak delivers perfect backdrop for PM's sharp warning to councils
Tory Whanau has accused Christopher Luxon of punching down in his speech to mayors.
'Stuff off you pathetic little troll': Nicola Willis hits back at abuse, threats
There is fear a normalised 'toxic environment' will impact female representation.
Luxon tells councils he wants ratepayers’ funding used appropriately
As councils hike rates ever higher, the PM has told them to tighten their belts.
Local councils to vote on challenge to Māori ward polling rule
FNDC Mayor Moko Tepania will support a challenge to a rule around Māori ward polling.
'Punitive': Congestion fees would punish struggling families - councillor
A Rotorua councillor says the solution to traffic gridlock is something else entirely.
Luxon to ask councils to cut their own cloth before asking Govt for handouts
As councils hike rates ever higher, the PM will tell them to tighten their belts.
Tairāwhiti community gears up for pivotal Māori wards referendum
Tairāwhiti residents are urged to educate youth on voting for Māori wards.
'Double-whammy': Downsized bin business says $10k rates hike is 'obscene'
'There’s no excuse for rates going up that fast. It’s just completely unnecessary.'
Local Government: Manurewa Local Board ends secret workshops
Until this year, workshops have been closed to the public and the media.
Drone surveys reveal ongoing landslide risks at Te Kuri o Pāoa
'Significant ongoing risks' at sites along cliff face.
Government announces 'Road Policing Investment' programme
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has announced a crackdown on drunk and drugged drivers, setting the Police a target of performing 3.3 million roadside alcohol tests a year.
Focus Morning Bulletin August 17
The Waitangi Treaty principles bill is in the firing line, over 1000 firefighters contain a blaze in Turkey, and NZ Tourism confirms our numbers of tourists remains low.
'No democracy, no rates': Tauranga resident's rates revolt
A Tauranga woman has been locked in a row with the council over unpaid rates.
Simeon Brown wants more water meters as part of three waters overhaul
The Government won't be mandating meters but the minister is a 'very strong advocate'.
Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark says sorry - again
The Invercargill mayor has made his second public apology.
Dangers of inner harbour swimming raised as bylaw passed
The danger of swimming in the inner harbour and how to enforce prohibiting it was raised.
'Less is more': Council divided on numbers for next election
Whanganui District Council has debated whether to have 10 or 12 elected members in 2025.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis on the lower OCR
The Reserve Bank has cut the official cash rate by 25 basis points to 5.25%. It is the first cut since March 2020.
Hamilton City Council welcomes newest member
Kirikiriroa Maaori Ward councillor Maria Huata was sworn in on Tuesday.
'Don't gamble with our future' students protest school closure
Wellington Girls' College students hold a silent protest at Parliament over their earthquake-prone class block. Video / NZ Herald
Stratford votes to retain Māori ward
'Decision now puts the future of Māori wards in the hands of our community.'
Napier City Council to sell 72 of its 377 homes
The market value of the properties is about $21.8 million.
Simeon Brown discusses 'time of use' charges to ease congestion
Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced that the government has agreed to policy settings that will allow time of use schemes to be proposed. Video / NZ Herald
Mayor: A poll is a terrible way to decide if we should have Māori wards
OPINION: Those with skin in the game tell us, with passion, how Māori wards will help.
'Sexual deviance': Former mayoral hopeful jailed
He said he was cleansing an 18-year-old woman's chakras through spiritual massage.
Asbestos found in landfill used to recycle concrete
Concrete recycling at the site has been put on hold. The landfill remains open.
Gisborne councillors vote to keep Māori wards, binding poll next year
Māori make up 56% of Gisborne but are historically underrepresented in local government.
'Playing with fire': Act criticises council move to keep Māori seats without referendum
The Act Party has hit back, criticising the move as a 'race-based' decision.
'Resurrecting an old practice': Locals petition for natural burial site
Nearly 400 people want the option in Rotorua.
Government announces new funding access for council-owned water companies
The Government has unveiled changes to allow new council-owned water companies to be able to access more cheap borrowing from the Local Government Funding Agency (LGFA)
Nanaia Mahuta: Active participation in democracy means being counted, being a voice
OPINION: We are being taken back to the bad old days.