Latest from Local Government

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 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)