Local Government Stories - Page 18

Kiwi Stories

Local Government stories

Stronger local government, less centralisation

Councils could gain new powers under a review urging the next Government to back localism and shared funding for infrastructure.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Wed, 21st Jun 2023

Sustainability

Wellington council takes proactive action on housing

Rents, homelessness and housing shortages are in the crosshairs as the council seeks to lift supply, quality and affordability in the capital.

By Michael Curreen • 5 min read • Wed, 14th Jun 2023

Disaster Recovery

Infrastructure action plan brings almost nothing new to the table

Most of the Government’s 331 infrastructure actions are already underway, prompting calls for funded projects rather than more plans.

By Staff Writer • 4 min read • Wed, 7th Jun 2023

Disaster Recovery

Shortsightedness and poor planning lead to property buyouts

Ratepayers and taxpayers will help fund buyouts and flood defences for homes in areas hit by severe weather after years of underinvestment.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Tue, 6th Jun 2023

Auckland Council

Too much consultation, not enough action

Auckland Transport risks paralysis if it keeps seeking public input on tiny road changes already covered by approved plans.

By Staff Writer • 5 min read • Mon, 29th May 2023

Auckland University

National’s new housing strategy ‘a mixed bag’

The plan could cut central-city housing capacity, even as stronger transit-zone density and funding reforms win praise from some analysts.

By Michael Curreen • 8 min read • Sun, 28th May 2023

Education, Learning & Training

Pre-election conversations we need to be having

Infrastructure New Zealand wants parties to back simpler funding, congestion charging and stronger oversight to tackle the country's infrastructure deficit.

By Staff Writer • 6 min read • Fri, 26th May 2023

Agricultural Technology

Campaign launched against ‘undemocratic’ RMA reform

Critics say the reform could lift housing and infrastructure costs by stripping councils of planning powers and deepening court battles.

By Staff Writer • 7 min read • Fri, 12th May 2023

Māori

Infrastructure NZ releases policy positions

With New Zealand facing a $210 billion infrastructure deficit, the lobby is urging wider use of private capital and reforms to local funding.

By Staff Writer • 5 min read • Mon, 1st May 2023

Risk & Compliance

Flawed procurement practices to blame for faulty Wellington streetlights

Wellington City Council faces a NZD $6 million repair bill after 17,000 LED streetlights proved unsafe in strong winds.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Mon, 17th Apr 2023

Local Government

Water reforms do not go far enough for mana whenua

Mana whenua still lack influence over water services boards, despite revised reforms keeping shared decision-making in place across 10 regional entities.

By Staff Writer • 2 min read • Fri, 14th Apr 2023

Climate change

Infrastructure New Zealand welcomes Nick Leggett as its new Chief Executive

New Zealand's infrastructure deficit of USD $210 billion will face fresh scrutiny as Nick Leggett takes charge of the sector body on 24 April.

By Staff Writer • 2 min read • Tue, 4th Apr 2023

Disaster Recovery

Data crucial during skyrocketing construction prices

Homeowners may be underinsured as rebuilding costs in New Zealand hit record highs, with some code changes adding 5-20% to bills.

By Michael Curreen • 4 min read • Mon, 3rd Apr 2023

Risk & Compliance

TTM steering group appointees named

A new industry panel will shape New Zealand’s switch to risk-based roadworks safety rules, with 12 appointees chosen from 38 applicants.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Sun, 2nd Apr 2023

Risk & Compliance

Council sentenced for part in slide collapse

A father left with 11 surgeries after a 12-metre fall will receive reparation as the council is held accountable for safety lapses at the festival.

By Michael Curreen • 3 min read • Thu, 30th Mar 2023

Climate change

New Zealand cities losing their leaves

Urban trees and gardens are shrinking as intensification raises heat, flooding and liveability risks for New Zealand’s cities.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Sun, 19th Mar 2023

Auckland Council

Call for independent review into Auckland supercity amalgamation

Auckland ratepayers are facing renewed scrutiny of amalgamation as critics say bigger councils bring higher costs, weaker oversight and less local control.

By Staff Writer • 2 min read • Thu, 16th Mar 2023