Local Council
Midday Report Essentials for Thursday 27 November 2025
Attorney-General Judith Collins says the inquiry will look into whether government agencies did everything they could to ensure children were safe; Secondary teachers are voting on a potential… Audio
Waikato PHD student’s berm idea mowed down by council
Olivier Raven made his suburban berm into a no-grow patch in an effort to promote flower growth and attract insects, but after two complaints from the public Hamilton City Council gave him 30 days to… Audio
Hutt City Council suspends Petone parking charges for Christmas
Mayor Fauono Ken Laban hopes the move will support local businesses during their busy time.
Morning Report Essentials for Thursday 27 November 2025
Major banks have already dropped their advertised home loan rates after the cut to the official cash rate; From next month, Wellington police will begin saliva testing drivers for four drugs - THC… Audio
Putrid pong lingers as decomposing weed and dead fish pile up
Something stinks in Rotorua, and it's not the sulphur scent residents embrace and visitors expect.
Taupo council removes some public bins
Taupo District Council has removed some of its public rubbish bins after they attracted too much rubbish and became sites for illegal dumping. Warrick Zander, the council's General Manager for… Audio
Wellington super city more likely after government reforms, mayor says
Andrew Little says it's more likely the region's councils will become a super-city following reforms announced this week. Audio
Wellington mayor says council merges likely following changes
Wellington's mayor says it's more likely the region's councils will merge following reforms announced by the government this week. Ellen O'Dwyer reports. Audio
Te Aroha piggery hit with large fine over effluent discharge
A huge fine for a Waikato pig farm - RNZ's Libby Kirkby-McLeod has all the news out of Waikato Audio
Regional councils demise: The plans, timeline and thorny issues
Explainer: The government is intent on reform, however, many questions on the "reset' remain unanswered. Audio
Mayors can't represent Māori - West Coast iwi chair
Paul Madgwick has rejected the idea that mayors would represent Māori interests on the government's proposed new boards.
Regional council revamp 'pretty serious attack' on Treaty rights - Little
The coalition's proposals would impact Māori representation that's been guaranteed under the Treaty of Waitangi, Wellington's mayor says. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Wednesday 26 November 2025
Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni joined Morning Report this morning for the Weekly Political Panel; Regional Development Minister and NZ First Deputy Leader Shane Jones has been one of the strongest… Audio
Mayors welcome law to combat 'vicious, sinister' harassment
"Our elected members come from the community and should be able to carry out our roles without fear of personal attacks or harassment," Carterton's mayor says.
'Kremlin of the South Island': Jones on the end of regional councils
The Regional Development Minister says 'green banshees' are stifling growth, as the goverment shakes up local government. Audio
Government plans to scrap regional councils
The Government's plan to scrap regional councils and hand responsibilities over to mayor-led combined territories boards marks the biggest structural shift in local government in decades. Doug Leeder… Audio
Report says WCC could save millions as job cuts questioned
A report suggests Wellington City Council could save tens of millions of dollars through drastic job cuts, but councillors won't be drawn on whether hundreds of staff are facing layoffs. Mary Argue… Audio
Regional councillor, former Mayor on local government shake-up
Jono Naylor has been around all sides of the issue and joins Emile Donovan. Audio
Consent woes: Homeowners feel betrayed by council
Auckland homeowners have banded together after finding out the homes they purchased over a year ago do not have compliant resource consents. Audio
Report suggests 330 surplus staff at Wellington City Council
PSA says analysis from Deloitte, which cost $435k, lacks a basic understanding of what the Council's role is.
