Reflections on the past 12 months’ achievements and local government sector challenges ahead.
Hon Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, (then) Minister of Local Government
I offer my sincere condolences to those of you directly affected by the November earthquakes. I want to acknowledge its effects on New Zealanders, particularly those in Kaikoura...
Water quality, population growth or decline, consent processes, asset condition and performance, new technologies, workforce skills and, perhaps most crucially, affordability: Patricia Moore outlines the challenges facing councils in managing their wastewater assets over the next decade.
A UN-Water brief, released at the conclusion of...
Hon Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, Minister of Local Government, tells newly-elected members that a more coordinated framing of the local government / central government relationship is required. Councils need new ways to manage finances and improve efficiencies. And more needs to be done to meet current needs and prepare for future...
Local government forced to settle for small wins.
I was struck recently by a media release from LGNZ that began: “Letting local communities determine whether shops can open on Easter Sunday is a win for local decision-making.” It is not that the passing of the Shop Trading Hours Amendment Bill, allowing territorial authorities the...
Councils argue they’re already working collaboratively. Yet central government has been pushing for more shared activities. Skirmishes have centred on provisions in the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill (No 2). Ruth Le Pla wonders why it’s all so hard to sort out.
Wai Ora: Why not?
The Waikato Healthy Rivers Wai Ora...
