Local Government
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.
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.
AudioSage, council clash over Fox River cleanup
The Conservation Minister has criticised Westland District Council for not having the cash to clean up Fox River, but the mayor says the region's few ratepayers should not need to pay.
Hastings councillors vote in favour of more Māori representation in committees
Hastings councillors have voted in favour of a proposal to increase Māori representation on its committees.
Data plan: The benefits of making data widely available
There's a lot of numbers out there, but not everyone's making use of them. Lillian Grace, CEO and founder of Figure.nz is on a mission to make it easier for everyone to find and use New Zealand's… Audio
Sea level rise could affect $14bn NZ council infrastructure
Up to $14 billion worth of council-owned assets across New Zealand - not to mention the costs to central government and private interests - are at risk from sea level rise, according to the first…
Rebellion against Horowhenua council brews
A small rebellion is brewing in two northern Horowhenua settlements. Residents in Tokomaru and Opiki have started a petition and are holding community meetings to break away from their district… Audio
Nights' Pundit Dr Eric Crampton
Nights' Pundit and Chief Economist at The New Zealand Initiative, Dr Eric Crampton joined us in the studio to take a look at localism and subsidiarity. Local Government New Zealand has suggested a… Audio
Insight: Water - Who Pays?
RNZs Local Government reporter Laura Dooney takes a closer look at the huge financial pressures facing local councils trying to keep our water safe and clean. Video, Audio
Local govts looking for more power, responsibility
Peter Wilson from the Institute of Economic Research joins The Panel to discuss whether Dunedin mayor Dave Cull has a point in calling for local bodies to be given more responsibility - and more cash.
…LGNZ calls for changes to Māori wards legislation
Changes must be made to the way Māori wards are decided on, Local Government New Zealand says.
Battle lines drawn: Council decries unofficial loading zone
A street upgrade is hoped to bring to an end a two-year battle between a rogue car park engineer who painted his own yellow lines and Wellington City Council. Audio
Hospitality industry rails against Wgtn 'bed tax'
The hospitality industry has accused the Wellington Council of "double-dipping" in its proposal to introduce an accommodation levy in the city.
